Most DMVs are closed on Veterans Day, but hours vary by state

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year. Most state DMVs treat it as a federal holiday and close their offices that day. However, some states keep certain locations open or operate on modified hours, so you cannot assume your local office will be closed without checking first.

The safest approach is to contact your state DMV directly or check their website before you plan a visit on November 11. Many states post holiday schedules weeks in advance, and some allow you to see which specific locations remain open if any do.

If you need to handle DMV business around Veterans Day, plan ahead. The day before and the day after typically see higher traffic as people reschedule, so you may face longer wait times on November 10 and 12.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close entirely on Veterans Day, November 11, but a few states keep select locations open with reduced hours.
  • Your state DMV website or phone line will confirm whether your specific location is open and what hours explore.
  • The business days when ready before and after Veterans Day often have longer wait times because people shift their visits.
  • If you need a service on or near Veterans Day, schedule your visit at least a week in advance to avoid peak traffic days.

How to learn about your DMV is open on November 11

Start by visiting your state's DMV website. Most states have a dedicated page for holiday hours, usually found in a "Hours" or "Locations" section. Search for "Veterans Day" or "holiday hours" on that site, and you will see whether offices are closed statewide or if certain branches operate.

If the website does not clearly state the Veterans Day schedule, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is listed on the location page. Ask specifically whether that branch is open on November 11 and what hours it keeps if it is. This takes five minutes and removes any doubt.

Some states also allow you to check hours through their online appointment system. If your state offers appointments, you can often see available time slots by date — if November 11 shows no slots, that location is closed.

What to do if your DMV is closed on Veterans Day

If your local office is closed and you need to renew a license, register a vehicle, or handle another transaction, you have three options: visit on November 10, visit on November 12, or wait until the following week.

November 10 and 12 will be busier than normal because other people are also rescheduling around the holiday. If you go on either of those days, arrive early — many DMVs open at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., and the first hour typically has the shortest lines. If your state uses an online appointment system, book a time slot rather than walk in.

If your transaction is not time-sensitive, waiting until the week after Veterans Day (November 18 or later) often means shorter waits. Many people handle their DMV business the week before the holiday, so traffic drops in the days after.

Services you may be able to handle online instead

Many states allow you to renew a driver's license, update your address, or order a replacement card through their website without visiting an office. Check your state DMV's online services menu to see what you can do remotely. This is often faster than visiting in person and avoids the holiday schedule problem entirely.

Some states also partner with third-party vendors — such as AAA or certain insurance agencies — that can handle specific transactions. These vendors may have different holiday schedules than the DMV itself, so they could be open on November 11 even if your DMV is not. Call ahead to confirm.

Planning ahead for Veterans Day

If you know you will need DMV services in November, handle it before November 10 if possible. The week of November 4 through 8 typically has normal traffic and no holiday complications.

If you cannot go before the holiday, book an appointment for November 12 or later as soon as your state's system allows you to schedule that far ahead. Many states let you book appointments 30 to 60 days in advance. Securing a time slot guarantees you a spot and usually means a much shorter wait than walking in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my DMV be open on Veterans Day if it falls on a weekend?

Veterans Day is November 11. If that date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your DMV will be closed on that day regardless. Some states observe the holiday on the nearest weekday instead — usually Friday if November 11 is a Saturday, or Monday if it is a Sunday. Check your state DMV website to see how your state handles this.

Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Veterans Day?

Many states allow online renewal for driver's licenses, but rules vary. Visit your state DMV website and look for "online services" or "renew online." If your state offers it and you are may be able to access, you can renew without visiting an office at all. Some states limit online renewal to certain age groups or license types, so check the requirements first.

What if I have an appointment scheduled for November 11?

Contact your DMV when ready to reschedule. Call the office or use your state's online appointment system to cancel and book a new date. Do not assume your appointment will be automatically cancelled — some states keep a few offices open or may have made an error in the scheduling system.

Are DMV offices in federal buildings closed on Veterans Day?

Yes. DMV offices located inside federal buildings close on all federal holidays, including Veterans Day. If your local DMV is in a federal courthouse or federal office building, it will be closed on November 11. Check your state DMV website to find alternative locations that may be open.