The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution specifies that the term of each elected President of the U.S. begins at noon on January 20th of the year following the election. Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the position.

What does a typical Inauguration Day look like?

Procession to the Capitol

• Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies escorts the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their spouses to the Capitol for formal ceremonies.

Swearing-in Ceremony

• Just before noon, the new Vice President takes the oath of office.

• At noon, as directed in Article II, section I, of the U.S. Constitution the president-elect repeats the oath of office: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Inaugural Address

• George Washington initiated the custom of delivering an address on Inauguration Day, and every president since has followed his example. Today, Presidents deliver their Inaugural address on the West Front of the Capitol -- a tradition Ronald Reagan began in 1981.
  
  

Honorary Departure

• The new President and Vice President escort their predecessors out of the Capitol.

Signing Ceremony

• In another tradition begun by President Reagan, the new President visits the President’s Room just off the Senate Chamber to sign nominations, along with any memorandums, proclamations, or executive orders the President wants to take effect on "day one."

Inaugural Luncheon

• The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies hosts the traditional Inaugural Luncheon at the Capitol.

Pass in Review

• On the East Front of the Capitol, the President and Vice President review a sample of military units, then lead a processional to the White House. When the processional reaches the White House, the President and Vice President, their families and guests, watch the parade from the Presidential Reviewing Stand.

Dive further into the history of Inauguration Day and discover more interesting facts, by visiting the Joint Congressional Committee Inaugural Ceremonies website.

What will Inauguration Day look like this year?

"Typical" cannot describe Inauguration Day in 2021. A combination of security and public health protocols will mean no public gathering on the National Mall, and a much smaller group of dignitaries on the Capitol's West Front, where President Biden will deliver his Inaugural address. President Trump has opted not to attend, but Vice President Mike Pence will participate. The new team will take part in the Pass in Review, but a televised virtual parade replaces the usual one on Pennsylvania Avenue. Instead of the traditional balls and parties on inauguration night, the Biden-Harris Inaugural Committee presents a 90-minute television special called “Celebrating America,” hosted by Tom Hanks and featuring performances by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Garth Brooks.