Most DMV offices are closed on December 26th
The day after Christmas (December 26th) is not a federal holiday, so whether your DMV is open depends on your state and your specific location. Many states treat the day after Christmas as a regular business day and keep DMV offices open. However, some states observe a floating holiday on December 26th if Christmas falls on a weekend, or they may close for internal staff recovery after the holiday rush.
The safest approach is to check your state DMV's official website or call your local office directly before making a trip. DMV hours vary significantly by state, county, and individual branch, and holiday schedules change year to year.
Key Takeaways
- December 26th is not a federal holiday, so many DMV offices operate on a normal schedule, but some states close for their own observance.
- Your state DMV website will list which offices are closed on December 26th and which remain open with regular or modified hours.
- Calling your local DMV branch is the fastest way to confirm whether they are open that day and what services are available.
- If your DMV is closed on December 26th, the next business day may have longer wait times due to the holiday backlog.
How to check if your DMV is open December 26th
Visit your state's DMV website and look for a holiday hours or office closures page. Most states publish their full-year holiday schedule in advance. Search for "December 26" or "day after Christmas" on that page, or look for a list of all observed holidays for the current year.
If the website does not clearly state the status for December 26th, call your local DMV branch directly. Have your county or region name ready. The phone number is usually on the same website under "Contact Us" or "Locations." Staff can tell you when ready whether that specific office will be open and whether any services are limited.
State variations in December 26th closures
States handle the day after Christmas differently. Some states, including California, Florida, and Texas, keep most DMV offices open on December 26th as a regular business day. Other states close some or all offices. A few states observe "Christmas Observed" on December 26th when Christmas falls on a weekend, which may trigger office closures.
Even within a single state, different counties or regional offices may have different schedules. A DMV branch in one county might be open while another county's office is closed. This is why checking your specific location matters more than knowing your state's general policy.
What to expect if your DMV is open on December 26th
If your DMV is open on December 26th, expect longer wait times than a typical day. The day after a major holiday often brings a surge of people who postponed their visits. You may also encounter reduced staffing if some employees are still on holiday leave.
Some DMV offices offer online appointment scheduling. If yours does, booking a time slot in advance can significantly reduce your wait. Check whether your local office allows walk-ins or requires an appointment before you go.
Planning ahead if your DMV is closed
If your DMV is closed on December 26th, the next business day (usually December 27th or 28th, depending on the day of the week) will likely be busier than normal. If you have a time-sensitive need—such as renewing a license that expires soon—consider visiting before December 24th or waiting until the following week when the holiday backlog clears.
Some states offer services online or by mail for certain transactions, such as license renewals or address changes. Check your state DMV website to see whether your specific need can be handled without an in-person visit.
Alternative options if you cannot visit in person
Many states now allow you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain requirements (usually that your license is not expired or is expiring soon). Some also allow address changes, vehicle registration renewals, and other common transactions through their website.
If your state does not offer online services for what you need, you may be able to mail documents to your DMV. Processing times for mail-in requests are typically longer than in-person service, so plan accordingly if you have a important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December 26th a holiday when DMVs are always closed?
No. December 26th is not a federal holiday, so it is not automatically a closure day. Whether your DMV is open depends on your state's policy and sometimes on your specific county or branch. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to confirm.
What if I need to renew my license and the DMV is closed on December 26th?
If your state offers online renewal, you can renew without visiting an office. If not, visit before December 24th or plan to go on December 27th or later. If your license expires soon, contact your DMV to ask about mail-in renewal or extended important date.
Will the DMV be less crowded on December 26th than December 27th?
Not necessarily. If your DMV is open on December 26th, it may still be busier than a normal day because people are catching up after the holiday. December 27th and 28th are often equally crowded. The least busy time is usually several days after the holiday period ends.
Can I make an appointment at the DMV for December 26th?
Only if your DMV is open that day and offers online appointment scheduling. Check your state DMV website to see whether appointments are available for December 26th. If no appointments show up for that date, the office is likely closed.
What should I bring if I visit the DMV on December 26th?
Bring the same documents you would bring on any other day: proof of identity, proof of residency, and any forms specific to your transaction. Your state DMV website lists exactly what you need for your particular service. Having everything ready helps you move through the line faster on a busy day.