Many Americans have handled a $100 bill without ever noticing the signatures printed on it. A common question people ask is: Whose signature is on the $100 bill? Is it the President’s signature?
The short answer is no—not traditionally. For decades, U.S. currency has carried the signatures of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States, not the President. However, recent policy changes announced in 2026 have introduced a historic exception, making this topic more relevant than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Signatures Appear on the $100 Bill?
Every modern U.S. banknote includes two official signatures printed on the front:
- The Secretary of the Treasury
- The Treasurer of the United States (on bills printed before the 2026 redesign)
These signatures certify the note as official U.S. legal tender. They are administrative signatures rather than personal endorsements.
Most people mistakenly believe the President signs U.S. currency because the Treasury Department is part of the executive branch. In reality, presidents have never traditionally signed American paper money.
Is the President’s Signature on the $100 Bill?
Historically, no.
For more than 165 years, U.S. paper currency has never featured the signature of a sitting President. Instead, the Treasury Secretary and Treasurer signed every Federal Reserve note.
However, in March 2026, the U.S. Treasury announced that newly designed currency would include President Donald Trump’s signature, replacing the Treasurer’s signature. The Treasury Secretary’s signature remains on the bill.
This marks the first time in U.S. history that a sitting President’s signature will appear on circulating paper currency.
Why Doesn’t the President Normally Sign Money?
The President does not oversee the day-to-day production of U.S. currency.
Instead, currency is issued under the authority of the U.S. Treasury Department and produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Because of this structure, Treasury officials—not the President—traditionally sign banknotes.
The signatures serve administrative and legal purposes rather than political ones.
Who Signs the Current $100 Bill?
The answer depends on when the bill was printed.
Older $100 Bills
Most older $100 bills include the signatures of:
- The Treasury Secretary serving at the time
- The U.S. Treasurer serving during that printing series
Different series of notes feature different combinations because officials change over time.
New 2026 Design
Under the Treasury’s 2026 announcement:
- President Donald Trump will replace the Treasurer’s signature.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature remains.
The first redesigned $100 bills are scheduled to enter production before other denominations.
Who Is Featured on the $100 Bill?
Although signatures may change, the portrait does not.
The front of the $100 bill features:
Benjamin Franklin
Interestingly, Franklin was never a U.S. President.
He appears because of his enormous contributions as:
- Founding Father
- Diplomat
- Inventor
- Scientist
- Author
- Statesman
His portrait has appeared on the $100 denomination for generations.
Why Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin played a critical role in America’s founding.
His accomplishments include:
- Helping draft the Declaration of Independence
- Negotiating the Treaty of Paris
- Serving as America’s first Postmaster General
- Conducting groundbreaking scientific research
Because of his lasting influence, Franklin remains one of the most recognizable faces on U.S. currency.
What Is the Purpose of Currency Signatures?
The signatures are not decorative.
They indicate official authorization for the note and represent Treasury leadership responsible for issuing U.S. currency.
Historically, they have also helped identify different printing series.
Collectors often recognize banknotes by the combination of Treasury officials whose signatures appear on them.
Will Older $100 Bills Still Be Valid?
Yes.
Whenever a new series of currency is introduced, previous notes remain legal tender.
Older $100 bills featuring earlier Treasury officials’ signatures continue to be accepted throughout the United States.
Americans do not need to exchange older notes when new designs enter circulation.
How Often Do Signatures Change?
Signatures change whenever:
- A new Treasury Secretary takes office
- A new Treasurer is appointed (for pre-2026 designs)
- A new currency series is printed
Because officials change over time, numerous combinations of signatures exist across different years of U.S. banknotes.
Collectors frequently use these signature combinations to identify specific series.
Can the President Put Their Picture on the $100 Bill?
Not under current law.
Federal law prohibits living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency portraits.
That’s why Benjamin Franklin remains on the $100 bill despite changes to administrative signatures.
The 2026 redesign affects only the signatures—not Franklin’s portrait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the President usually sign the $100 bill?
No. Traditionally, only the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer signed U.S. paper currency.
Whose signature is on older $100 bills?
Older bills display the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the U.S. Treasurer serving when that series was printed.
Is Donald Trump’s signature appearing on the $100 bill?
Yes. The Treasury announced in 2026 that newly printed currency will feature President Donald Trump’s signature alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature.
Does Benjamin Franklin remain on the $100 bill?
Yes. The portrait remains unchanged.
Are old $100 bills still valid?
Absolutely. Every previously issued genuine U.S. $100 bill remains legal tender.
Final Thoughts
For most of American history, the answer to “Whose signature is on the $100 bill?” has been simple: the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States—not the President.
That changed in 2026 when the Treasury announced that newly printed currency would feature President Donald Trump’s signature, replacing the Treasurer’s signature while retaining the Treasury Secretary’s signature. The change represents one of the most significant administrative updates to U.S. paper currency in more than a century, though Benjamin Franklin’s portrait and the note’s legal status remain unchanged.
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