How often is the State of the Union address given?

The State of the Union address is mandated by the Constitution and given once per year, in early January. Prior to 1934, the State of the Union address was given in December, but that changed when the opening of Congress moved from March to January.

In 1953 and 1961, two State of the Union messages were given in each year during the transition of the new administrations. President Harry Truman gave a written address in January 1953, while Dwight Eisenhower gave a formal address in February, just after taking office. In 1961, Dwight Eisenhower submitted a written address on January 12, and John Kennedy gave a formal State of the Union address on January 30.