DMV offices close on federal holidays and state-specific observances, which means you cannot schedule or complete in-person transactions on those days

Every state DMV shuts down on the major federal holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Many states also observe additional holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, and Veterans Day. The exact list and dates vary by state, and some states observe holidays on different dates than the federal government does.

Beyond the closure dates themselves, you should know that online services — license renewal, address changes, registration renewal — often remain available even when offices are closed. However, you cannot visit in person, and you cannot reach anyone by phone to answer questions about your specific situation. If your transaction requires an in-person visit or a staff member's help, you need to plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) close every state DMV, but some states add state-specific holidays to that list.
  • The day after a holiday is typically the busiest day at the DMV, so scheduling an appointment for that day may not be possible or may mean a longer wait.
  • Online services like license renewal and address changes usually stay open during holiday closures, but phone lines and in-person appointments do not.
  • Check your state DMV's website for its full holiday schedule before booking an appointment, because the schedule can change year to year.

How to find your state's specific holiday schedule

Your state DMV publishes its holiday closure dates on its official website, usually under a section called "Office Hours," "Locations," or "Holiday Schedule." The schedule is typically posted by November for the following year. Some states list it on every location's individual page; others post one statewide schedule that applies to all branches.

If you cannot find the schedule online, call your local DMV branch directly — they can tell you which days they will be closed. Many states also send holiday reminders via email if you have signed up for notifications, or post them on social media.

Which holidays close the DMV in your state

All 50 states close on these six federal holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25). If any of these falls on a weekend, the DMV typically closes on the observed date — usually the nearest weekday.

Beyond those six, states add their own observances. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January) closes the DMV in most states. Presidents' Day (third Monday in February) closes it in many states, though some call it a different name. Veterans Day (November 11) closes some state DMVs but not others. A few states observe additional holidays like Juneteenth, Confederate Memorial Day, or state-specific observances. Check your state's list rather than assuming.

Planning your appointment around holiday closures

If you need an in-person appointment, book it at least two weeks before a holiday, not after. The day after a holiday is when the backlog hits hardest — people who could not get in before the closure all try to reschedule for the same day, and wait times spike. Scheduling for the week before a holiday gives you a better chance of getting a time slot and a shorter wait.

If your appointment falls on a holiday by mistake, your state's online system should prevent you from booking it. If you already have an appointment scheduled for a holiday, contact your DMV when ready to reschedule. Do not assume the appointment will be moved automatically.

What you can and cannot do during a holiday closure

You cannot visit a DMV office in person, and you cannot reach the DMV by phone. In-person services — written tests, vision tests, photo ID issuance, commercial license transactions, and anything that requires a staff member's judgment — are not available.

Online services usually remain open. Most states allow you to renew your license, register a vehicle, pay registration fees, update your address, and check the status of an existing process through their website, even on holidays. Some states also allow you to schedule appointments online during closures. Check your state's website to see which services stay open.

The day after a holiday: expect longer waits

The Monday after a three-day weekend, or the day after any holiday, is typically the busiest day at the DMV. People who could not get in before the closure, people who had appointments cancelled, and people who straightforward waited until after the holiday all show up at once. If you have flexibility, schedule your appointment for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in a regular week instead.

If you must go the day after a holiday, arrive early. Some DMVs open their doors before the posted opening time to handle the overflow, and arriving in the first hour gives you a better chance of being seen before the wait becomes unmanageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday?

The DMV observes the holiday on the nearest weekday. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, most states close on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, most states close on Monday. Your state's website will specify which day it observes each holiday.

Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed for a holiday?

In most states, yes. Online license renewal, vehicle registration renewal, and address changes stay open during holiday closures because they do not require staff or in-person verification. Check your state DMV's website to confirm which online services are available during holidays in your state.

Will my appointment be automatically rescheduled if it falls on a holiday?

No. If you have an appointment scheduled for a holiday, you must contact your DMV to reschedule it yourself. Do not assume it will be moved. Call or log into your account online as soon as you realize the conflict.

Is there a way to avoid the rush the day after a holiday?

Schedule your appointment for a different week if possible. If you must go the day after a holiday, arrive as early as the DMV opens. Some locations open early to handle overflow, and going in the first hour gives you a better chance of a shorter wait.

Do all DMV locations in my state close on the same holidays?

Yes, all branches of your state DMV close on the same holidays. However, some locations may have additional closures for local reasons (renovation, staffing). Check your specific branch's page on your state's website to confirm.