Most DMVs are closed on Columbus Day, but some states and counties stay open

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most state DMV offices follow the federal holiday calendar — meaning they close on the second Monday in October. However, not every DMV closes that day. Some states treat Columbus Day as a regular business day, some observe it on a different date, and some counties or regional offices may have their own schedules. The only way to know whether your specific DMV location will be open is to check your state's DMV website or call the office directly.

If your DMV is closed on Columbus Day, you will not be able to visit in person that day. Online services like renewing your registration or changing your address may still be available through your state's website, depending on what your state offers. Many states allow you to handle routine transactions without visiting an office at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, but some states do not observe it or observe it on a different date.
  • The safest approach is to check your state DMV's website or call your local office before planning a visit on Columbus Day.
  • If your DMV is closed, you may still be able to renew registration, change your address, or handle other routine tasks online through your state's website.
  • If you need to visit in person, plan your trip for the day before or after Columbus Day to avoid a closed office.

Which states and territories observe Columbus Day

The federal government observes Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, and most states follow this schedule. However, several states do not observe Columbus Day at all or call it by a different name. South Dakota calls it Native American Day. Hawaii calls it Aloha Festivals Day. Alaska, Oregon, and Vermont do not observe it as a paid holiday for state employees. Some tribal nations and territories have their own holiday calendars that do not include Columbus Day.

Even in states that officially observe Columbus Day, individual DMV offices may have different closure policies. Some regional offices stay open while the main office closes. A few states have moved to year-round Saturday hours or extended weekday hours that may overlap with the holiday. The only reliable way to know your office's status is to contact them directly or check the hours listed on your state DMV's website.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Columbus Day

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website and looking for a holiday hours page or a location finder tool. Most state DMV sites list which holidays cause closures and which offices stay open. If your state has multiple regional offices, the website usually shows hours for each location separately. Enter your county or zip code to see the specific hours for the office you plan to visit.

If the website does not clearly state Columbus Day hours, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is listed on the location page. Ask whether the office will be open on the specific date you are planning to visit. If you reach an automated system, listen for a holiday hours option in the menu. Calling is faster than waiting for an email response and gives you a definitive answer.

What you can do online if your DMV is closed

Many states allow you to handle common transactions online without visiting an office. You can often renew your driver's license or vehicle registration, change your address, order a replacement license, or update your vehicle information through your state's DMV website. The transactions available online vary by state — some offer nearly everything, while others limit online services to registration renewals and address changes.

If you need to change your address on your driver's license, check whether your state allows this online. Many states do, and the change takes effect when ready or within a few days. If your state does not offer online address changes, you can usually mail in a form or wait until your DMV reopens. For vehicle registration address changes, most states allow this online as well, and it typically takes effect right away.

Planning your visit around Columbus Day

If you know your DMV will be closed on Columbus Day, plan your visit for the day before or the day after. The day after a holiday is often busier than usual because people reschedule their appointments, so expect a longer wait. If you have flexibility, visiting on a different day of the week — especially mid-week — usually means shorter lines than visiting on a Monday or Friday.

If you need to complete a transaction that requires an in-person visit, do not wait until Columbus Day week. Schedule your visit earlier in the month or later, depending on when you need the service. If you are close to a important date — such as a registration renewal date — check your state's DMV website to see whether you can renew online or by mail instead of in person.

DMV services that may be available on Columbus Day

Even if your DMV office is physically closed on Columbus Day, some services may still be available. Most states offer 24/7 online portals where you can renew registration, pay fees, or check the status of a license or permit process. Some states have kiosks at grocery stores, pharmacies, or other locations that operate on different hours than the main DMV office. A few states offer mobile DMV services or pop-up locations on holidays.

If you need to take a written test or road test, these services are almost always only available when the office is open. You cannot take a driving test online or at a kiosk. If your test is scheduled for Columbus Day and your DMV is closed, contact the office to reschedule before the holiday arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration online if the DMV is closed on Columbus Day?

Most states allow online registration renewal regardless of whether the office is open. Visit your state DMV's website and look for the renewal option. You can usually complete this in minutes and pay the fee with a credit card. The renewal takes effect when ready or within a few business days, depending on your state.

What if I have an appointment scheduled on Columbus Day?

If your DMV is closed on Columbus Day, your appointment will not take place. Contact your DMV office as soon as you realize this to reschedule. Many states allow you to reschedule online through your account or by calling the office. Do not assume your appointment has been automatically moved to another date.

Do all counties in my state close on Columbus Day?

Not necessarily. Some states have different closure policies for different regions. Check the hours for your specific county or office location on your state DMV's website. If the website does not show Columbus Day hours, call the office directly to confirm.

Can I change my address at the DMV if it is closed on Columbus Day?

Many states allow you to change your address online through the DMV website, even when the office is closed. Check your state's website to see whether this option is available. If your state does not offer online address changes, you will need to visit in person or mail in a form after the holiday.

What if I need to take a driving test on Columbus Day?

Driving tests are only available when the DMV office is open. If your test is scheduled for Columbus Day and the office is closed, you must reschedule. Contact your DMV office when ready to book a new test date. Do not wait until the day of your appointment to check whether the office is open.