Most DMV offices close on Memorial Day, but some states stay open
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. Most state DMV offices treat it as a federal holiday and close that day, along with the surrounding weekend. However, a handful of states keep some locations open, and a few states do not observe the holiday at all. Your state's DMV website will tell you which offices are closed and which remain open on Memorial Day itself.
If your local DMV is closed on Memorial Day, you have options: you can visit on the Tuesday after the holiday, use an online service if your state offers one, or schedule an appointment for another day if your state uses an appointment system. Many people wait until after the holiday to visit, which means Tuesday and Wednesday can be busier than usual.
Key Takeaways
- Most state DMV offices close on Memorial Day, but check your state's website to confirm your specific location's hours.
- Some states operate select DMV locations on Memorial Day, usually in larger cities or regional offices.
- If you need to renew a license or registration before Memorial Day, plan your visit for the week before the holiday.
- Online services like license renewal, address changes, and registration renewals may be available even when offices are closed.
- The Tuesday and Wednesday after Memorial Day are typically busier than normal because of the holiday closure.
Which states keep DMV offices open on Memorial Day
States that remain open on Memorial Day are the exception rather than the rule. A few states, including some with large populations, operate at least some DMV locations on this day. Texas, Florida, and California have operated select offices on Memorial Day in recent years, though this varies by location and year. Your state's DMV website will list which specific offices are open and their hours.
Even in states that stay open, not every office opens on Memorial Day. Smaller branch locations often close while regional or main offices remain open. Call ahead or check online before making the trip, because hours may be reduced even at locations that do open.
How to learn about your DMV is open on Memorial Day
The fastest way to check is to visit your state's official DMV website and look for a holiday hours notice. Most states post this information weeks in advance. You can also call your local DMV office directly — the phone number is on the website — and ask about Memorial Day hours. If you reach an automated system, it usually has a holiday hours option in the menu.
If you cannot reach anyone by phone, many states now let you check office hours through their online location finder. You enter your zip code or city, select your local office, and the system shows you the hours for that specific day. This is more reliable than calling, especially during the week before a holiday when lines are busy.
Planning ahead to avoid the holiday closure
If you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or handle another DMV task before Memorial Day, visit during the week before the holiday. The Monday before Memorial Day (May 27 in 2024, May 26 in 2025) is usually less crowded than the days when ready after the holiday. Avoid Friday before the holiday if possible, as people often try to complete tasks before a long weekend.
If your state uses an appointment system, book your slot at least a week before Memorial Day. Appointment slots fill up quickly as people try to avoid the holiday closure. If you wait until the week of Memorial Day to book, you may find that all appointments are taken until the following week.
Using online services when the office is closed
Many states let you handle common DMV tasks online, even when physical offices are closed on Memorial Day. License renewals, address changes, vehicle registration renewals, and duplicate license requests can often be completed through your state's DMV website. These services are available 24 hours a day, including holidays.
Not every task can be done online — some require an in-person visit or a notarized form. Check your state's website to see which services are available online. If your task requires an office visit, you will need to schedule it for a day when your local DMV is open.
What to expect the day after Memorial Day
The Tuesday after Memorial Day is typically one of the busiest days at DMV offices. People who could not visit on the holiday itself come in on Tuesday, and regular traffic continues. Wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour longer than a normal Tuesday. Wednesday is usually still busier than average, but less crowded than Tuesday.
If you have flexibility, consider visiting on Thursday or Friday of that week instead. By then, the post-holiday rush has passed and wait times return to normal. If you must visit on Tuesday, arrive early in the morning when offices open, as lines tend to be shorter at the start of the day.
Scam alert: Fake holiday hour notices
Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to show DMV hours. Some unofficial sites display incorrect information, either by accident or intentionally. Always check your state's official DMV website or call the office directly. The official website address is usually dmv.[your state].gov or similar — look for the .gov domain to confirm it is a government site.
Do not trust email or text messages claiming to show DMV hours unless you initiated the contact yourself. Scammers sometimes send fake holiday notices to get people to click links or provide personal information. When in doubt, go directly to your state's DMV website or call the main DMV phone number listed there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Memorial Day?
Many states allow online license renewal, and this service is available even when offices are closed. Check your state's DMV website to see if your renewal type qualifies for online processing. Some renewals require an in-person visit, so confirm before you start the online process.
What if my registration expires on or right after Memorial Day?
If your registration expires on Memorial Day or the day after, renew it before the holiday if possible. Many states let you renew registration online up to a certain number of days before expiration. If you cannot renew online, visit the DMV the week before Memorial Day to avoid the post-holiday rush.
Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV after Memorial Day?
This depends on your state. Some states require appointments for all visits, while others use a first-come, first-served system. Check your state's website to see if appointments are required. If they are, book early because slots fill up quickly after a holiday closure.
Will the DMV be open the day before Memorial Day?
Yes, the day before Memorial Day (the Sunday before the holiday) is a regular weekend day, so most DMV offices are closed anyway. The Monday before Memorial Day is a regular business day and offices are open. This is often a good time to visit if you want to avoid the post-holiday crowd.
What if I have an appointment scheduled on Memorial Day?
Contact your DMV office when ready to reschedule. Call the office or log into your appointment account online if your state offers that option. Do not assume your appointment will be automatically rescheduled — you must confirm the change yourself to avoid missing your slot.