When California DMV Offices Close for Holidays
The California DMV closes on all federal holidays and a few state-specific days. On these days, all field offices are shut — you cannot walk in, and you cannot schedule an appointment. The closures are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Cesar Chavez Day (March 31).
The DMV also closes on any day the state government declares a holiday or emergency closure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, offices closed on dates the governor announced. If you are planning a visit and the date falls near a holiday, check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm it will be open.
Online services — renewing your license through the DMV website, checking your process status, or paying fees — usually stay available on holidays. The closure affects only the physical offices where you meet staff in person or take a written test.
Key Takeaways
- California DMV field offices close on 12 federal holidays plus Cesar Chavez Day, with no appointments or walk-in service available.
- Online services like license renewal and status checks often remain available on holidays, even when offices are closed.
- The day after Thanksgiving is a separate closure from Thanksgiving itself, so plan around both days.
- Call your local DMV office or check the website before your visit if your appointment date is near a holiday, because emergency closures can happen without advance notice.
How to Plan Around DMV Closures
If you need to visit a DMV office, schedule your appointment at least two weeks before your important date. This buffer gives you time to reschedule if your chosen date falls on a holiday or if the office closes unexpectedly. The DMV appointment system will not let you book a date when the office is closed, so you will see only available dates when you search.
If you are renewing your license and the expiration date falls on a holiday, you can renew up to 60 days before it expires. This means you have a window to complete your renewal before the holiday arrives. For other transactions — like a name change, address change, or vehicle registration — check whether you can handle them online first. Many can be done without visiting an office.
If you must visit in person and your important date is tight, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask which nearby offices have the shortest wait times. Some locations are less crowded than others, and a less busy office may have sooner appointment slots available.
The Complete List of DMV Closures in California
| Holiday or Closure | Date (2024) | Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | January 1 |
| Cesar Chavez Day | March 31 | March 31 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 15 | January 20 |
| Presidents' Day | February 19 | February 17 |
| Memorial Day | May 27 | May 26 |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 | July 4 |
| Labor Day | September 2 | September 1 |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 28 | November 27 |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 29 | November 28 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | December 25 |
When a holiday falls on a weekend, the DMV observes the closure on the nearest weekday. For example, if Independence Day falls on a Saturday, the office closes on Friday. Check the DMV website for the exact observed date in your area.
What to Do If Your important date Falls on a Closure Date
If your license expires on a holiday, you are still legally allowed to drive until the end of that day. However, you should renew before the holiday arrives. The DMV allows you to renew up to 60 days early, so start the process as soon as you know the expiration date is near a closure.
If you have a vehicle registration important date on a holiday, you can renew online through the DMV website or by mail. These methods do not require an office visit. Mail-in renewal takes longer, so submit it at least three weeks before your important date.
If you need to take a written test or pass a behind-the-wheel exam and your appointment is cancelled due to a closure, the DMV will contact you to reschedule. You do not lose your test or your place in the queue. However, you should call ahead to confirm your appointment is still scheduled, especially if the closure was announced after you booked.
Emergency Closures Beyond the Holiday Schedule
The DMV sometimes closes offices on short notice due to staffing shortages, facility problems, or weather emergencies. These closures are not on the holiday calendar. During extreme heat waves, for example, some offices have closed because air conditioning failed. During heavy rain or flooding, offices in affected areas have shut down.
The DMV posts emergency closures on its website and on individual office pages. If you have an appointment and are unsure whether the office is open, call 1-800-777-0133 or check the DMV website before you travel. Showing up without confirming can waste your time.
How to Check If Your Local DMV Office Is Open
Visit the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov and search for your local office by city or ZIP code. The office page shows regular hours, holiday closures, and any emergency closures posted by staff. You can also call your office directly — the phone number is listed on the same page.
If you have an appointment scheduled, you can check its status through your DMV online account. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your appointment is confirmed or if it has been cancelled due to an office closure.
The DMV also sends email or text reminders for appointments, usually 24 hours before. If you receive a cancellation notice, follow the link in the message to reschedule. Do not assume your appointment is still happening just because you do not hear otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if the DMV office is closed on my important date?
Yes, if you are renewing a regular driver's license or ID card and you meet the requirements, you can renew online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office. The online system is available on holidays. However, some renewals — such as those for commercial licenses or after a suspension — must be done in person.
What if I have a DMV appointment on a holiday?
The DMV will not allow you to book an appointment on a holiday. If you scheduled one before the holiday was announced, you will receive a cancellation notice and an offer to reschedule. Check your email and text messages for the notification, or log into your DMV account to see available dates.
Do I get a ticket if my license expires on a holiday?
No. If your license expires on a holiday, you are legally allowed to drive through the end of that day. However, you should renew before the holiday to avoid any confusion with law enforcement. Renewing early is free and takes only a few minutes online if you are may be able to access.
Is the DMV closed the day after a holiday if the holiday falls on a weekend?
It depends on the specific holiday and how California observes it. Some holidays are observed on the nearest weekday, while others are observed only on the actual date. Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm which days are closed in your area.
Can I mail in my vehicle registration renewal if the DMV office is closed?
Yes. You can renew your vehicle registration by mail or online at dmv.ca.gov without visiting an office. Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks, so submit it well before your important date. Online renewal is faster and can be done on any day, including holidays.