Good Friday DMV Hours Vary by State

Most DMV offices are closed on Good Friday, but not all of them. Good Friday is a state holiday in about half the United States, which means DMV locations in those states typically shut down. However, some states do not observe Good Friday as an official holiday, so their DMV offices may stay open.

The safest approach is to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local office directly before planning a visit on Good Friday. DMV holiday schedules are posted online, and a quick phone call takes less than five minutes. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, many state DMV sites let you check individual location hours online.

If your state's DMV is closed on Good Friday, the office will reopen the day after the holiday. Some states that observe Good Friday also extend hours on the Thursday before or the Monday after to handle the extra volume.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Friday closures depend on your state — roughly half of U.S. states observe it as a holiday when DMV offices close.
  • Your state DMV website lists holiday schedules for all locations, usually under "Hours" or "Holiday Schedule".
  • Calling your local DMV office is the fastest way to confirm whether it will be open on a specific Good Friday.
  • If your DMV is closed, plan to visit the day before or after, or use online services if your state offers them for your transaction type.

Which States Close the DMV on Good Friday

States that observe Good Friday as an official holiday include Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. This list is not exhaustive — some states add Good Friday to their holiday calendar in certain years or allow individual counties to decide.

States that do not observe Good Friday as a statewide holiday include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In these states, most DMV offices operate on their regular schedule on Good Friday, though some individual locations may close for other reasons.

The distinction matters because even within states that observe Good Friday, some DMV branches in smaller towns may have different hours than major urban locations. Always verify your specific office rather than assuming based on your state alone.

How to Find Your DMV's Good Friday Schedule

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Look for a section labeled "Hours," "Locations," "Holiday Schedule," or "Office Hours." Most state DMV sites have a search tool where you enter your city or zip code and see hours for nearby offices. This search result usually includes a note about holiday closures.

If the website does not clearly list Good Friday, call the DMV office you plan to visit. Have your office location name or address ready when you call. Ask directly: "Will this location be open on Good Friday?" and confirm the exact date of Good Friday that year, since it changes annually (it falls between March 22 and April 25).

Some states also offer text or email alerts about holiday closures. Check whether your state DMV has a notification system you can sign up for — this saves you from having to remember to check each year.

What to Do If Your DMV Is Closed on Good Friday

If your local DMV is closed, you have several options. First, check whether your state offers online services for your specific transaction. Many states now let you renew a driver's license, update your address, or order a replacement document through their website without visiting an office. This is often faster than waiting for the office to reopen.

Second, visit on Thursday before Good Friday or Monday after, when the office reopens. If you know you will need the DMV around that time, schedule your visit for Thursday to avoid the post-holiday rush on Monday. Some people wait until the following week when traffic has returned to normal.

Third, check whether a different DMV location in your area stays open on Good Friday. If you live near a county or state line, an office just outside your county might operate on a different holiday schedule. This is worth investigating if your transaction is time-sensitive.

Planning Ahead for Good Friday DMV Visits

Good Friday falls on different dates each year — in 2024 it was March 29, in 2025 it will be April 18, and in 2026 it will be April 3. If you know you will need a DMV service around Easter, plan your visit for at least one week before Good Friday. This gives you a buffer in case the office is unexpectedly busy or you need to reschedule.

If you are renewing a license or registration that expires near Easter, do not wait until the last week. DMV offices often see longer wait times in the days before a holiday closure, as people rush to complete transactions before the shutdown. Visiting two or three weeks before Good Friday typically means shorter lines and faster service.

Mark Good Friday on your calendar along with your state's other DMV holidays. Most states also close on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Knowing the full holiday schedule helps you avoid wasted trips.

Scam Alert: Fake DMV Holiday Notices

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV and announcing holiday closures or special hours. Scammers sometimes use holiday schedules as a hook to get you to click a link or provide personal information. The real DMV will never ask for your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information via email or text.

If you receive a message about DMV hours, ignore any links in it. Instead, go directly to your state's official DMV website by typing the URL into your browser yourself, or call the DMV office using the phone number listed on your driver's license or registration. This ensures you are getting information from the real DMV, not a fraudulent site.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states allow online renewal for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, but the rules vary. Check your state DMV website to see which transactions you can complete online. If your state offers online renewal and you are may be able to access, you can do it any day, including Good Friday, without visiting an office.

What if my license expires on Good Friday?

Your license does not become invalid at midnight on Good Friday just because the DMV is closed. You have a grace period — usually 30 to 60 days after expiration — to renew without penalty. Visit the DMV the day after it reopens, or use online renewal if your state offers it.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV on the day after Good Friday?

This depends on your state and location. Some DMV offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis; others require appointments. Check your state's website or call ahead. The day after a holiday closure is often busier than usual, so an appointment (if available) can save you time.

Is Good Friday a holiday at the DMV in every state?

No. About half of U.S. states observe Good Friday as an official holiday when DMV offices close. The other half do not, so their DMV offices stay open. Check your specific state's holiday schedule to know for certain.

What other holidays close the DMV besides Good Friday?

Most states close the DMV on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some states also close on Presidents' Day, Veterans Day, or other state-specific holidays. Your state DMV website lists all official holiday closures for the year.