Dakota Beacon

Why the kerfuffle over autopens? I could blithely pursue life with no awareness of such a device -- until the topic becomes front page news.

On second thought, maybe I could use something like an autopen – especially at Christmastime. Think of all the Christmas cards I could sign and mail! Hold on! Squash that idea. Postage would be exorbitant.

Being the inquisitive type, I started asking questions. One thing led to another and before I knew it, my research produced more information on the topic than I could have imagined. So, I’ll share with you the information overflow.

Ask questions; get answers. Ask the right questions and get the right answers. Here are the results of my research.

An autopen is a mechanical or digital device designed to replicate a person's handwritten signature. Really old models used carved plastic templates that guided the pen along a physical channel.

Modern autopens rely on digital programming for flexibility and precision. Here is how an autopen works. First, the user’s signature is scanned or drawn digitally and stored as a template. Next, the machine uses a motorized arm to hold a pen and trace the stored signature pattern across paper. Unlike digital copies, autopens use real ink allowing the signature to appear authentic. Every signature transcribed is identical in shape, pressure, and ink flow, imitating the original handwriting.

Here are some good uses for autopens. For one thing, it helps politicians, celebrities, or executives who need to sign hundreds or thousands of documents. For another thing, an autopen automates repetitive tasks freeing up time for other responsibilities. Autopens are useful for individuals with physical limitations like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome – or mental limitations like dementia. For what it is worth, an autopen ensures uniform signatures across documents which can be important for legal consistency.

Use of autopen machines shows an interesting history notably among US presidents. Thomas Jefferson used an early version called a polygraph. Gerald Ford was one of the first presidents to openly acknowledge the use of an autopen. Lyndon B. Johnson allowed the autopen to be photographed in the White House. John F. Kennedy relied heavily on an autopen, especially during his presidential campaign. Barack Obama was the first president to use the autopen to sign legislation, notably the Patriot Act extension in 2011. Joe Biden used the autopen often for signing legislation and other documents especially when absent from the White House. (This begs the question, “Who was using the autopen in his absence?”) These included periods when he was traveling or when he signed over 4,200 acts of clemency – more than any other president. (Pew Research) More about this in a moment.

Not only presidents but other government officials use autopens. Diplomatic correspondence in the form of standardized greetings and acknowledgments is often signed by autopen. Congressional correspondence signed by autopen includes campaign solicitations, answers to constituents’ letters, and traditional districtwide messages. Have you ever received a “standardized” letter from a congressman or senator having a broadbrush answer to your specific question? The same general letter was designed to answer a category of questions without taking time to write a personally tailored response. Such letters to constituents are signed by autopen.

Celebrities use autopens to sign photos and letters to fans. Musicians and athletes use autopens for posters and memorabilia. Fan mail responses, merchandise, and book signings are all innocent enough. Although autopen signatures are typically less valuable than actual autographs in books, nevertheless, the autopen is handy when signing hundreds of books.

There are, however, legal considerations. Autopen signatures are generally accepted for routine correspondence but may not be valid for certain legal documents requiring a live signature and witness. That said, there are sticky points. Autopen use by public figures -- especially for signing laws or pardons -- has sparked debate over authenticity, constitutionality, and whether the signatory knew the autopen was being used by others, by what authority, and and for what purpose. President Biden recently came under severe criticism for the perceived misappropriation of the White House autopen. (See New York Times, July 13, 2025.)

Should anyone wish to buy an autopen for personal use, they can be easily obtained. Amazon sells new autopens from anywhere between $250 to $3000 or more depending on the sophistication of the technology. You can also find used machines on eBay.

If you do buy an autopen, let your intensions be pure. Moreover, do not let your machine slip into the wrong hands.

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).