Most DMVs are closed on Black Friday, but hours vary by state
Black Friday is not a federal holiday, so the DMV does not automatically close nationwide. However, most state DMV offices do shut down on Black Friday because they follow the same holiday schedule as other state government offices. The decision rests with each state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and a few states keep some locations open with reduced hours.
Your best move is to check your specific state's website or call your local branch directly. DMV holiday schedules are posted months in advance, and a five-minute call beats showing up to a closed office. If Black Friday matters to your plans — because you need a license renewal or title transfer before a important date — you can plan around it now.
Key Takeaways
- Black Friday closures are decided by each state, not by federal law, so you cannot assume your DMV is open or closed without checking.
- Most state DMV offices close on Black Friday and the day after Thanksgiving, but some states operate with limited hours instead of full closure.
- Your state's DMV website lists the full holiday schedule, including Black Friday, and you can also call your local office to confirm.
- If you need a transaction completed before Black Friday, scheduling an appointment online (where available) is faster than waiting for walk-in service.
Which states keep DMV offices open on Black Friday
A small number of states operate DMV locations on Black Friday with reduced staffing or limited services. Texas, for example, keeps some offices open but with shorter hours. California's DMV operates on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual office location. New York typically closes all DMV offices on Black Friday but reopens the following Monday.
The safest approach is to treat Black Friday as a closure day unless your state's official DMV website or a phone call confirms otherwise. Do not rely on a third-party website or assume that because one location is open, all locations in your state are open. Each office may have its own schedule.
How to find your state's Black Friday DMV hours
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a "Holiday Schedule" or "Office Hours" section. Most states publish their full-year holiday calendar in September or October. The page will list which days offices are closed and which locations, if any, have modified hours.
If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the state website. Ask specifically whether your location is open on Black Friday and what services are available if it is. This takes two minutes and removes all doubt.
Do not rely on Google Maps, Yelp, or other third-party sites for DMV hours on holidays — they are often out of date. The state DMV website is the only source that is updated regularly.
Planning ahead if you need a DMV transaction before Black Friday
If you have a important date before Black Friday — a license renewal, registration renewal, or title transfer — do not wait until the week before. DMV wait times spike in the days leading up to a holiday, and you risk running out of time.
Many states now offer online services for renewals, title transfers, and address changes. Check your state's website to see what you can complete without visiting an office. If you must go in person, book an appointment online if your state offers them. Appointments typically cut wait time from hours to 15 to 30 minutes.
If your state does not offer appointments, visit early in the week — Monday or Tuesday — rather than Thursday or Friday. Offices are less crowded at the start of the week.
What counts as a holiday at the DMV
DMVs close on federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day. They also close on some state-specific holidays, like Juneteenth in some states or Robert E. Lee's birthday in others. Black Friday is not a federal holiday, but many states treat it as a holiday for payroll and office closure purposes because it falls the day after Thanksgiving.
The day after Thanksgiving (the Friday) is the day most likely to be closed. Some states also close on the Monday after Thanksgiving or extend the closure through the weekend. Check your state's calendar to see the exact range.
Alternatives if your DMV is closed on Black Friday
If you need to renew your license or registration and your DMV is closed, check whether your state offers online renewal. Most states allow license and registration renewals online if you are not changing your address, have no medical restrictions, and are not a first-time applicant. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.
Some states also partner with third-party vendors — like AAA or local tag agencies — to handle certain transactions. These vendors may have different holiday schedules than the DMV. Call ahead to confirm they are open on Black Friday.
If you need a new license (not a renewal) or a title transfer, you will need to visit an office. Plan to go the week before Black Friday or the week after, when wait times are lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Friday a federal holiday?
No. Black Friday is not a federal holiday, so federal offices like Social Security and the post office are open. However, many state offices, including DMVs, close on Black Friday because it falls the day after Thanksgiving, which is a federal holiday.
Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Black Friday?
It depends on your state and your situation. Most states allow online renewal for license and registration renewals if you are not changing your address or medical status. Check your state's DMV website to see what services are available online. If you need a new license or a title transfer, you will need an in-person visit.
What if I have an appointment scheduled for Black Friday?
Call your DMV office when ready to confirm whether your appointment is still scheduled. If the office is closed, you will need to reschedule. Most states allow you to reschedule online or by phone. Do not assume your appointment is cancelled — confirm it directly with the office.
Are DMV offices open the day after Black Friday?
Usually yes, but not always. Some states extend the closure through the weekend or close on the Saturday after Black Friday. Check your state's holiday schedule to see when offices reopen. Most reopen on Monday.
Can I go to a different DMV location if mine is closed?
Yes, if your state allows it. Some states let you visit any DMV office in the state; others require you to go to the office that serves your address. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and that you can be served there. Bring all required documents.