The Pour Over How Presidents ‘Sign’ Without Signing — Autopens Explained
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Dec 6, 2025 Explore the intriguing world of autopens, devices that replicate signatures with fascinating historical roots tracing back to Thomas Jefferson. Discover why presidents rely on them for overwhelming signing workloads. Learn about the legal status surrounding their use and the controversy due to transparency concerns. Plus, hear about public reactions, including notable signatures by Obama and Biden, and the impact on signature value in collectibles. Uncover alternative signing methods like the LongPen and enjoy fun facts from history along the way!
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What An Auto Pen Actually Is
- An auto pen is a mechanical device that reproduces a person's exact signature from a programmed template.
- Presidents use it to replicate signatures without physically holding a pen for routine items.
Why Presidents Need Signature Automation
- Presidents face massive signature volumes across letters, proclamations, and routine documents.
- The auto pen reduces time spent signing non-legislative and ceremonial items.
Legal Basis For Auto Pen Use On Laws
- The Constitution requires a bill to be "signed by the president" but says nothing about the method.
- DOJ concluded a president may direct a subordinate to affix his signature, including by auto pen.
