Most DMV offices close on MLK Day, but some states stay open
Most state DMV offices are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed on the third Monday in January), because it is a federal holiday. However, a handful of states keep some locations open, and a few run limited hours. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your specific office is open or closed that day — do not assume based on what you read about another state.
If your local DMV is closed on MLK Day, you have three options: visit on a different day, use an online service if your state offers one for your transaction, or go to a different location if your state operates regional offices with different schedules. Some states also let you schedule an appointment weeks in advance, which can help you avoid the rush on the days when ready after the holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays like MLK Day close most DMV offices, but check your state's website because some states stay open or run partial hours.
- The day after a holiday is usually busier than normal, so if you can visit two or three days later, you may face shorter wait times.
- Many states let you handle license renewals, address changes, and vehicle registration online, which bypasses holiday closures entirely.
- If you need to visit in person on or near MLK Day, schedule an appointment in advance if your state offers them.
How to learn about your DMV is open on MLK Day
Go to your state's official DMV website and search for "holiday hours" or "MLK Day hours". Most state DMV sites have a dedicated page listing which offices are closed on federal holidays. Some states post this information in the fall, so you may need to look under a "2024 Holiday Schedule" or "2025 Holiday Schedule" section.
If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the state website. Ask specifically whether that location is open on MLK Day and what the hours are. Do not rely on Google Maps or third-party websites, because they often show outdated or incorrect holiday information.
States that typically stay open on MLK Day
A small number of states do not observe MLK Day as a paid holiday for state employees, which means some or all DMV locations remain open. These states include Arizona, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Utah, though even within these states, individual locations may have different schedules. Some counties or cities within these states may still close their DMV offices even if the state does not.
Even if your state is on this list, verify with your specific location before you go. A DMV office in one county may be open while another in the same state is closed. The safest approach is always to check the state website or call ahead.
What to do if your DMV is closed on MLK Day
If you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or change your address, check whether your state offers online services. Many states let you renew licenses, register vehicles, and update addresses without visiting an office. Your state DMV website will list which transactions you can handle online and which require an in-person visit.
If you must visit in person, plan to go on a day other than the Monday of MLK Day. The Tuesday and Wednesday after the holiday are typically much busier than normal because people postpone their visits. If you can wait until Thursday or later in the week, or visit the following week, you will likely encounter shorter lines. If your state offers appointment scheduling, book a slot for a day when the office is not recovering from a holiday closure.
Planning ahead to avoid holiday closures
If you know you will need a DMV service in January, handle it before MLK Day or schedule it for late January or early February. Many states let you book appointments online weeks in advance. Scheduling early also protects you if you discover your local office has unexpected hours or if you need documents you do not yet have.
For time-sensitive matters — like a license that expires on or shortly after MLK Day — contact your DMV at least two weeks before the holiday. Ask whether you can renew early, schedule an appointment for the day before the holiday, or handle the transaction online. Some states allow early renewal if your license is expiring within a certain window.
Scam alert: Fake holiday hour changes
Be cautious of third-party websites claiming to show your DMV's holiday hours. Scammers sometimes create fake DMV information pages that look official but direct you to pay a fee for a service the DMV provides for free. Always go directly to your state's official DMV website (usually dmv.[state].gov) or call the phone number listed there.
If a website asks you to pay to renew your license, change your address, or register a vehicle, it is not the real DMV. The DMV charges only for the transaction itself (a license renewal fee, registration fee, etc.), never for the service of helping you complete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on MLK Day?
Many states allow online renewal, but it depends on your state and the type of license you hold. Check your state DMV website to see which transactions are available online. If online renewal is not an option, you can visit on a different day or schedule an appointment for the day before the holiday if your state offers appointments.
What if my license expires on MLK Day?
Contact your DMV when ready. Most states allow you to renew before the expiration date, and some will renew online. If you cannot renew before the holiday, ask whether you can visit the day before or whether the DMV will extend your license temporarily if you have already started the renewal process.
Do all DMV offices in my state close on MLK Day?
Not necessarily. Some states close all offices, while others keep regional or satellite locations open. Check your state's official website for a list of which specific offices are closed. If you cannot find the information, call your local office or the state DMV customer service line.
Is MLK Day the same date every year?
MLK Day is observed on the third Monday in January, so the date changes each year. In 2024 it falls on January 15, and in 2025 it falls on January 21. Check your state's website each year to confirm holiday hours, because schedules can change.