Most DMVs are closed the day after Christmas, but some states stay open

Whether your DMV is open on December 26 depends on your state and how that state treats the day after Christmas. Most states observe December 26 as a holiday when all government offices, including the DMV, are closed. However, a handful of states do not recognize the day after Christmas as an official holiday, so their DMV locations may operate on a normal schedule or a modified one.

The safest approach is to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local office directly. Holiday schedules vary not just by state but sometimes by individual location within a state, and some offices may have different hours than others even in the same region.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close on December 26, but a few states keep some or all offices open with normal or reduced hours.
  • Your state's official DMV website will list holiday closures and any modified schedules for the day after Christmas.
  • Some DMV locations in the same state may have different hours, so calling ahead is more reliable than assuming all offices follow the same schedule.
  • If your DMV is closed on December 26, plan your visit for December 27 or later, or use online services if your state offers them.

Which states treat December 26 as a holiday

States that observe December 26 as an official holiday (sometimes called the day after Christmas or a substitute holiday when Christmas falls on a weekend) typically close all DMV offices. This includes most states in the Northeast, Midwest, and South. The federal government observes December 26 as a holiday when Christmas falls on a Friday, which means federal offices close, and many state offices follow suit.

States that do not recognize December 26 as an official holiday may keep DMV offices open. These states treat December 26 as a regular business day. However, even in states that do not officially observe the day, individual DMV locations may choose to close if they are located in counties or municipalities that do observe it.

How to find your DMV's December 26 schedule

The most direct way to learn whether your DMV is open is to visit your state's official DMV website and look for a holiday schedule or closure notice. Most state DMV sites publish their full-year holiday calendar in November or early December. Search for terms like "holiday hours," "office closures," or "December schedule."

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on your state's DMV website. Staff can tell you whether that specific location is open on December 26 and what the hours are. If you are calling from out of state or far from your local office, ask whether other nearby locations have different schedules.

What to do if your DMV is closed on December 26

If your local DMV is closed on December 26, you have several options. The simplest is to visit on December 27 or later, when the office reopens. Many people wait until after the holiday rush anyway, so you may find shorter wait times a few days later than you would on December 26 itself.

If you need to handle something urgently, check whether your state offers online services. Many states now allow you to renew a driver's license, update your address, or request a duplicate document through their website without visiting an office. Some states also offer mail-in renewal for certain transactions. Your state's DMV website will show which services are available online.

DMV services you can handle online instead

If your DMV is closed on December 26 and you cannot wait, explore what your state allows online. Most states let you renew an expiring driver's license or ID card online if it is not suspended or revoked and you meet other requirements. Address changes, duplicate documents, and vehicle registration renewals are also often available through the state website.

The catch is that online services vary widely by state. Some states have robust online systems; others offer very little. Check your state's DMV website to see what is available. If the service you need is not online, you will have to wait until the office reopens.

Planning ahead for the holiday season

If you know you will need DMV services in late December, plan your visit for before December 24 or after December 26. The days when ready before Christmas are typically busy, and the days right after are often closed. Visiting on December 23 or December 27 usually means shorter waits and no risk of finding the office unexpectedly closed.

If your license or registration expires on or around December 26, do not wait until the last minute. Renew or update it in early December instead. This gives you a buffer in case your preferred DMV location has unexpected closures or longer-than-normal wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December 26 a federal holiday?

December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States. However, when Christmas falls on a Friday, the federal government observes December 26 (Monday) as a holiday instead. When Christmas falls on a Saturday, the federal government observes December 24 (Friday) as the holiday. Many states follow the federal schedule, which is why DMV closures on December 26 depend on what day Christmas falls on that year.

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

Many states allow online license renewal, but it depends on your state and your specific situation. Your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you usually cannot renew online if you need to take a new photo or pass a vision test. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online renewal is available and whether you meet the requirements.

What if I have an appointment scheduled for December 26?

If your DMV office is closed on December 26, your appointment will be automatically cancelled or rescheduled. Contact your state's DMV to confirm what happened to your appointment and to book a new one for a date when the office is open. Some states allow you to reschedule online; others require a phone call.

Are all DMV locations in my state closed on December 26?

Not necessarily. While most locations in a state follow the same holiday schedule, some offices in different counties or cities may have different hours. Call your specific local DMV office or check its individual page on your state's website to confirm whether it is open on December 26.