Most DMV offices close on federal holidays, but the exact days vary by state

The DMV does not operate on the same schedule everywhere. Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles sets its own holiday calendar, and some states observe holidays that others do not. Federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day typically mean closures across all states, but states also close for holidays specific to their region — for example, some Southern states close for Confederate Memorial Day, and some Northern states close for Juneteenth on June 19th.

The safest way to know whether your local DMV office will be open on a specific day is to check your state's DMV website directly or call the office you plan to visit. A holiday that closes one office may not close another in the same state, especially if your state runs regional offices with different schedules.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day close DMV offices in every state, though the exact observance date may shift if the holiday falls on a weekend.
  • Many states close on additional holidays beyond the federal list, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
  • Some states observe regional or state-specific holidays that do not close DMV offices in other states, so you cannot assume your office will be open based on another state's schedule.
  • Calling your local DMV office or checking your state's official website is the only reliable way to confirm whether a specific date will have service.

Federal holidays that typically close all DMV offices

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) close DMV offices nationwide. When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, many states observe it on Friday; when it falls on a Sunday, they observe it on Monday. This means the actual closure date can shift year to year.

Some states also close on the day after Thanksgiving (often called the Friday after Thanksgiving), even though it is not a federal holiday. Check your state's specific rules if you are planning a visit around that time.

State and regional holidays that may close your DMV

Beyond the federal list, most states close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January) and Presidents' Day (third Monday in February). Many also close for Good Friday (the Friday before Easter, which changes each year) and Veterans Day (November 11).

Some states add their own observances. For example, some Southern states close for Confederate Memorial Day, some Western states close for Pioneer Day, and some states close for Juneteenth (June 19). A few states do not observe all federal holidays — for instance, some do not close for Presidents' Day or observe it under a different name. The only way to know what your state observes is to check your state DMV's official holiday calendar.

How to find your DMV's specific holiday schedule

Your state's DMV website lists the full year's holiday closures. Search "[your state] DMV holiday hours" or go directly to your state's motor vehicle department website. Most states post their schedule in a "Hours" or "Locations" section, often with a downloadable calendar or a list organized by month.

If you cannot find the information online, call the specific office you plan to visit. Staff can tell you when ready whether that location will be open on the date you need. Some states also let you check hours through their online appointment system — if a date is grayed out or unavailable, that office is likely closed.

Planning ahead when holidays fall on weekends

When a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, states handle the observance differently. Some move the closure to the nearest weekday (usually Friday if the holiday is Saturday, Monday if it is Sunday). Others do not observe the holiday on a different day and keep offices open. This variation means you cannot assume your DMV will be open just because a holiday technically falls on a weekend.

Easter and Thanksgiving are the trickiest because they change dates each year. If you need service around those times, check your state's calendar well in advance rather than assuming based on previous years.

What to do if you need service on a holiday

If you need a DMV service on a day when your local office is closed, look for alternatives. Some states offer online services for renewals, address changes, and other transactions that do not require an in-person visit. Check your state DMV website to see what you can handle remotely.

If you must visit in person, plan to go the day before or the day after the holiday. Many people wait until the last minute, so the days when ready following a holiday closure can be busy. If you have flexibility, visiting mid-week and mid-month usually means shorter wait times than visiting around holidays or at month's end.

Scam alert: Fake holiday closure notices

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming your DMV is closed for a holiday and directing you to a website to reschedule or renew online. Scammers sometimes use holiday closures as a reason to send fake messages with links to fraudulent sites designed to steal your personal information or payment details.

Always go directly to your state's official DMV website or call the office's main number — never click a link in an unsolicited email or text. If you are unsure whether a message is real, hang up and call your DMV directly using the number on your state's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my DMV be open on Presidents' Day?

Most states close for Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), but not all. Some states observe it under a different name or do not close at all. Check your state DMV's holiday calendar or call your local office to confirm.

What if I need to renew my license on a holiday?

Many states let you renew online or by mail without visiting an office. Check your state DMV website to see if your renewal type can be handled remotely. If you must visit in person, plan for the day before or after the holiday.

Does the DMV close on Good Friday?

Some states close for Good Friday, but not all. Good Friday changes dates each year (it falls between March 22 and April 25), so check your state's specific calendar rather than assuming based on previous years.

Are DMV offices open the day after Thanksgiving?

Many states close the day after Thanksgiving (the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November), but some do not. Check your state's holiday schedule or call ahead to confirm whether your office will be open.

How do I know if my DMV office is closed without calling?

Visit your state DMV's official website and look for a holiday calendar or hours section. If you have an appointment scheduled, your state's online system usually shows which dates are unavailable. You can also search "[your state] DMV holiday hours" to find the official schedule.