Most DMVs are closed on Veterans Day, but some states stay open with reduced hours

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year, and most state DMVs treat it as a federal holiday. That means your local office will likely be closed. However, a handful of states keep certain locations open with shorter hours or modified schedules. The safest approach is to contact your specific DMV office directly — call ahead rather than showing up, because closure policies vary by state and sometimes by individual location within the same state.

If you need to handle DMV business around Veterans Day, plan ahead. Many offices see longer wait times in the days before and after the holiday as people reschedule appointments. Some states let you renew your license online or by mail, which avoids the office visit altogether.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close entirely on Veterans Day, November 11, though a few states operate with reduced hours at select locations.
  • Call your local DMV office before heading in — closure policies are not consistent across all states or all branches within a state.
  • The days when ready before and after Veterans Day typically have longer wait times as people reschedule around the holiday.
  • Many states offer online renewal for driver's licenses and vehicle registration, which you can complete from home regardless of office closures.
  • If you have an appointment scheduled for Veterans Day, check your confirmation email or call to confirm whether it will be kept or rescheduled.

Which states keep DMVs open on Veterans Day

Most states close their DMV offices on Veterans Day as a federal holiday. However, some states operate on a modified schedule. Texas, for example, keeps most DMV locations open but may have reduced staffing. California's DMV is typically closed statewide, but you should verify with your local branch because policies can shift. New York generally closes, though some satellite offices in high-traffic areas may have limited hours.

The most reliable way to know your state's specific policy is to visit your state's DMV website or call the office where you plan to go. Many state DMV websites have a holiday hours section that lists closures and modified schedules. If you cannot find the information online, a phone call takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

How to learn about your local DMV is open

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website and searching for "holiday hours" or "Veterans Day hours." Most states post this information in a dedicated section. Look for your specific branch location, because even within the same state, some offices may close while others stay open with reduced hours.

If the website does not have clear information, call your local DMV directly. Have your zip code or office address ready. Ask specifically whether the office will be open on November 11 and what the hours will be. If you have an existing appointment for that day, confirm whether it will proceed or be automatically rescheduled.

You can also check your state's DMV social media accounts or sign up for email alerts, which some states use to announce holiday closures and schedule changes.

What to do if you need DMV services on or around Veterans Day

If your license renewal or vehicle registration is due around Veterans Day, do not wait until the last minute. Handle it in the week before the holiday if possible. Many states let you renew your driver's license online through your state's DMV portal — this takes 10 to 15 minutes and avoids the office entirely. Vehicle registration renewal is also available online in most states.

If you need an in-person service that cannot be done online — such as a license test, a Real ID upgrade, or a title transfer — schedule an appointment well in advance. Many DMVs now use online appointment systems. Booking early gives you more date options and helps you avoid the rush that typically happens the day before and after the holiday.

If you have an appointment already scheduled for Veterans Day, do not assume it will be cancelled. Check your confirmation email or call the office to confirm. Some offices may keep appointments for people who booked in advance, even if walk-ins are not accepted.

Why DMV wait times are longer around Veterans Day

The days when ready before and after Veterans Day see higher-than-normal DMV traffic. People who would normally visit on November 11 reschedule for November 10 or November 12, creating a backlog. If you have flexibility, try to visit your DMV on a different week entirely — mid-November after the rush, or earlier in the month before the holiday approaches.

Tuesday through Thursday mornings are typically the slowest times at most DMV offices. If you must go during the Veterans Day week, aim for early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday, not a Monday or Friday.

Online and mail options to avoid the office

Many states now offer online renewal for standard driver's license and vehicle registration renewals. You can complete these from home, and they do not depend on DMV office hours. Check your state's DMV website to see what services are available online in your state.

Some states also accept renewal applications by mail. This process is slower — typically two to four weeks — but it requires no office visit and no holiday scheduling concerns. Mail renewal is often available for driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and vehicle title transfers, though the specific services vary by state.

If you are unsure whether your particular transaction can be done online or by mail, call your DMV or check the website. Doing so now, before the holiday week, means you can avoid the office entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my DMV appointment be cancelled if it is scheduled for Veterans Day?

Most likely yes, but do not assume. Call your DMV office or check your confirmation email. Some offices automatically reschedule appointments for the next available date, while others require you to call and reschedule yourself. Confirming now prevents a wasted trip.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DMV?

Many states allow online renewal for standard driver's license renewals, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see what services are available online. If online renewal is available in your state, you can complete it any day, including around the Veterans Day holiday.

What if I need a service that is not available online?

Schedule an appointment for a different week if possible. If your important date is urgent, call your DMV to ask whether they have any availability in the days when ready before or after Veterans Day. Some offices keep limited appointments open even on holiday weeks.

Are all DMV locations in my state closed on Veterans Day?

Not necessarily. Some states close all locations, while others keep select branches open or operate with reduced hours. Call the specific office where you plan to go, or check your state's DMV website for location-by-location holiday hours.

What time should I go to the DMV to avoid long waits during the Veterans Day week?

Early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically slowest. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, which are busier. If you can visit the week before or after Veterans Day entirely, you will see shorter wait times than during the holiday week itself.