Most DMV offices close on Labor Day, but some states keep select locations open
The DMV is closed on Labor Day in most states because it is a federal holiday. However, a handful of states operate limited services at certain locations. Your state's DMV website will tell you which offices, if any, stay open and what services they offer that day. If you need to visit the DMV around Labor Day, check your state's holiday schedule now rather than showing up to find the office locked.
Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September each year. The 2024 Labor Day is September 2. The 2025 Labor Day is September 1. If you have an appointment scheduled for that Monday, your state's DMV should have already notified you of the closure or rescheduled you automatically — but it is worth confirming by phone or your online account before you travel.
Key Takeaways
- Most states close all DMV offices on Labor Day, the first Monday in September.
- A few states keep one or more locations open with reduced hours or limited services — check your state DMV website to see if yours is one of them.
- If you have an appointment on Labor Day, contact your DMV office directly to confirm whether it has been rescheduled.
- Plan ahead and schedule your visit for the day before or the day after Labor Day to avoid closure surprises.
Which states keep DMV offices open on Labor Day
Most states treat Labor Day as a full closure for all DMV locations. However, some states maintain limited operations at select offices. California, Texas, Florida, and New York have historically kept some locations open with reduced staffing and limited services, though the specific offices and hours vary year to year. Other states may open a handful of offices in major cities only.
Because these arrangements change, your state's official DMV website is the only reliable source. Search "[your state] DMV Labor Day hours" or look for a holiday schedule page on the main DMV site. If your state's website does not list Labor Day specifically, assume all offices are closed that day. Do not rely on calling ahead — most DMV phone lines are also closed on federal holidays.
What to do if you have an appointment on Labor Day
If you scheduled an appointment for Labor Day, check your confirmation email or your online DMV account. Many states automatically reschedule appointments that fall on federal holidays and send a new confirmation. If you do not see a rescheduled date, contact your DMV office the business day before the holiday to confirm your appointment status.
Some DMV offices allow you to reschedule online through your account. Others require a phone call during business hours. If you cannot reach anyone by phone because the office is closed, try emailing the DMV if an email address is listed on your state's website. Plan to reschedule for the Tuesday after Labor Day or later that week, as the day after a holiday is typically very busy.
Planning around Labor Day closures
If you need a service from the DMV and Labor Day is approaching, schedule your visit for the week before or the week after. The week before Labor Day is usually less crowded than normal weeks. The day after Labor Day (Tuesday) tends to be busier because people who could not go on Monday try to go then, so Wednesday or later that week is often a better choice.
If you are renewing a license or registration that expires around Labor Day, do not wait until the last minute. Many people put off DMV visits until the important date, and a holiday closure can push you past your expiration date. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to give yourself a buffer.
Other federal holidays when the DMV is closed
Labor Day is one of several federal holidays when most DMV offices close. New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are also typical closure days. Some states also close on Presidents' Day, Veterans Day, or other state-specific holidays. Check your state DMV website for a full holiday calendar so you can plan your visits around these dates.
A few states observe holidays on different dates or have additional closures. For example, some Southern states close on Confederate Memorial Day. Your state's DMV website should list all days the office will be closed for the current year.
Using online DMV services on Labor Day
Even though physical DMV offices are closed on Labor Day, many states allow you to handle certain tasks online. License and registration renewals, address changes, and duplicate document requests can often be completed through your state's DMV website without visiting an office. Online services are usually available 24 hours a day, including holidays.
Check what your state offers online before Labor Day. If you can complete your task online, you avoid the closure entirely. However, services that require an in-person visit — such as a new license photo, a road test, or a title transfer — cannot be done online and must wait until the office reopens.
Scam alert: Fake holiday notices
Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV and announcing holiday closures or asking you to reschedule. Scammers sometimes send fake DMV messages with links that steal your personal information. The real DMV will not ask you to click a link in an unsolicited email or text to confirm your appointment.
If you receive a message about a DMV closure or appointment change, go directly to your state's official DMV website or call the office using the phone number listed on that website. Do not use a phone number from an email or text message. Your state DMV website is always the safest source for holiday information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Labor Day?
Many states allow online renewal for licenses and registrations, and online services work on holidays. Check your state DMV website to see if your renewal type can be done online. If you can renew online, you do not need to visit an office at all.
What if my license expires on Labor Day?
If your license expires on Labor Day itself, it is expired on that date regardless of whether the office is open. Renew before Labor Day to avoid driving with an expired license. If you miss the important date, renew as soon as the office reopens on Tuesday.
Will the DMV reschedule my appointment automatically if it falls on Labor Day?
Most states automatically reschedule appointments that fall on federal holidays, but not all do. Check your confirmation email or online account to see if a new date appears. If you do not see a rescheduled appointment within a few days, contact the office to confirm.
Are DMV offices open the day after Labor Day?
Yes, DMV offices reopen on Tuesday after Labor Day. However, that day is typically busier than normal because people who could not go on Monday try to visit then. If possible, wait until Wednesday or later in the week to avoid longer wait times.
How do I find my state's complete holiday schedule?
Search "[your state] DMV holiday hours" or visit your state's official DMV website and look for a "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule" page. Most states list all closure dates for the year in one place. Bookmark that page so you can check it before planning future visits.