Most DMVs are closed on Good Friday

Good Friday is a federal holiday, and most state DMVs close on that day. However, closure rules vary by state. Some states treat Good Friday as a standard holiday and shut all locations. Others keep certain offices open or operate on reduced hours. A few states do not observe Good Friday as an official holiday and run normal schedules.

The safest approach is to check your state DMV's website directly or call your local office before you go. Holiday schedules are posted weeks in advance, and a five-minute call saves a wasted trip. If you need to complete DMV business around Easter, plan to visit the day before Good Friday or the Monday after.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close entirely on Good Friday because it is a federal holiday, though a few states keep some locations open.
  • Your state DMV website lists holiday closures for the full year, including Good Friday dates for the next several years.
  • If you call ahead, the DMV can tell you whether your specific location is open and what hours it keeps on that day.
  • The Monday after Easter and the day before Good Friday are typically less crowded alternatives if you need to reschedule.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Good Friday

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for a holiday schedule or closure calendar. Most states publish this information prominently on their homepage or under an "Hours" or "Locations" section. The calendar usually covers the full year and lists every federal and state holiday when offices close.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the website. Ask whether that specific location is open on Good Friday and what hours it keeps. Some states run a central call line that can answer questions about all locations in your state. This is faster than calling individual offices.

Do not assume all DMV locations in your state follow the same schedule. Large states sometimes keep some offices open in major cities while closing others. Your local office's schedule is the one that matters for your visit.

Which states keep DMVs open on Good Friday

A small number of states do not observe Good Friday as a paid holiday for state employees and keep DMV offices open on that day. These states include Hawaii, Illinois, and a few others, though the list can change. Even in these states, individual locations may have different hours, and some may close anyway.

Because the list is short and varies, do not rely on this section alone. Check your state's official holiday schedule to be certain. The DMV website is the only source that will tell you definitively whether your office is open.

What to do if your DMV is closed on Good Friday

If you need to handle DMV business around Easter, the day before Good Friday is usually your best option. Most people do not anticipate the closure, so Friday before the holiday is often quieter than a typical Friday. Arrive early to avoid afternoon crowds.

If you cannot go before Good Friday, wait until the Monday after Easter. Most DMVs reopen on Monday with normal hours. Tuesday through Thursday of that week tend to be busier as people reschedule, so Monday morning is often the fastest option.

Some states offer online services for common tasks like renewing a license or changing your address. Check whether your transaction can be completed online before you plan an in-person visit. This avoids the holiday closure problem altogether.

Planning ahead for holiday closures

Good Friday falls on a different date each year because it is tied to the lunar calendar. In 2024, it is March 29. In 2025, it is April 18. In 2026, it is April 10. If you know you will need DMV services around Easter, check the date for that year and plan your visit at least a week in advance.

Most state DMVs publish their holiday schedules for the next one to two years on their websites. Bookmark your state's DMV homepage and check it when you know you need to visit. This gives you time to schedule an appointment if your state uses them, or to plan which day and time will have the shortest wait.

Other holidays when DMVs close

Good Friday is not the only holiday that affects DMV hours. Most DMVs close on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some states also close on state-specific holidays like Juneteenth or a state founder's day. A few states close on additional days like the day after Thanksgiving.

Your state DMV website lists all closures for the year. If you are planning a visit and it falls near any holiday, check the calendar first. This prevents multiple wasted trips and helps you schedule around busy periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Good Friday?

Many states allow online renewal for standard license renewals, but not for all transactions. Check your state DMV website to see which services are available online. If your task requires an in-person visit, plan to go before Good Friday or after the Monday following Easter.

Do I need an appointment if I visit the day before Good Friday?

It depends on your state. Some DMVs require appointments for all visits, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's website to see whether appointments are needed and whether you can book one for the day before the holiday.

What if I have an appointment scheduled for Good Friday?

Contact your DMV when ready to reschedule. Most states allow you to cancel or move appointments online or by phone. If you booked through an appointment system, log in and change the date. If you cannot reach the office, call the main DMV line and ask them to update your appointment.

Are DMV offices open on Easter Sunday?

No. Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday for government offices, but DMVs do not operate on Sundays regardless. The Monday after Easter is when most DMVs reopen after the Good Friday and Easter weekend closure.

How far in advance should I plan if I need DMV services around Easter?

Plan at least one week ahead. This gives you time to check the holiday schedule, book an appointment if needed, and arrange transportation. If you wait until the week of Easter, you risk finding that your preferred time slot is full or that you cannot reach the office to reschedule.