Most DMVs are closed on Black Friday, but hours vary by state and location

Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, and most state DMV offices treat it as a holiday closure. However, some states keep certain locations open with reduced hours, and a few operate on a normal schedule. You cannot assume your local DMV will be closed — you need to check your specific state's website or call ahead.

The safest approach is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for Black Friday hours, or call your local office directly. Many states post holiday schedules weeks in advance. If you need a service that cannot wait until the following Monday, knowing your DMV's actual Black Friday status now prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Friday closures vary by state — some DMVs close entirely, while others stay open with modified hours.
  • Your state DMV website lists holiday schedules, usually posted before Thanksgiving.
  • Calling your local office is the fastest way to confirm whether they are open on Black Friday.
  • If your DMV is closed, the day after Black Friday (Saturday) may also have limited hours or be closed.
  • Planning ahead for services you need around the holiday prevents long waits or missed appointments.

How to find your DMV's Black Friday schedule

Start by going to your state's official DMV website. Most states have a "Holiday Hours" or "Locations & Hours" section that lists which days offices are closed. Search for "Black Friday" or look for a holiday calendar that covers November and December.

If the website does not clearly show Black Friday hours, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the website. Ask specifically whether they are open on Black Friday and what their hours are that day. Write down the answer — do not rely on memory, because hours can differ between locations in the same state.

Some states operate a central phone line for all DMV locations. Others require you to call the specific office you plan to visit. Either way, a five-minute phone call now saves you from showing up to a closed building later.

States that typically stay open on Black Friday

A small number of states keep DMV offices open on Black Friday, though usually with shorter hours than normal. These states treat Black Friday as a regular business day rather than a holiday. However, even within these states, individual locations may have different schedules — some branches might close while others stay open.

Do not assume your state is one of them. Check your state's official schedule. If you live in a state that normally stays open, your specific location might still be closed, or it might have reduced hours that do not match your schedule.

States that close on Black Friday

Most states close their DMV offices on Black Friday. This includes large states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. If your state observes Thanksgiving as a holiday, the DMV almost always closes the day after as well.

Even if your state is not listed here, assume your local DMV is closed unless you have confirmed otherwise. The cost of checking is one phone call. The cost of driving to a closed office is time and gas.

Planning ahead if you need DMV services around Thanksgiving

If you need a service before the holiday — a license renewal, registration, or ID card — do not wait until the week of Thanksgiving. DMVs are busier than usual in the days leading up to the holiday as people try to complete tasks before the closure. You will face longer waits and may not get an appointment slot.

If you need something after Black Friday, plan for Monday or Tuesday of the following week. The day after a holiday closure is also busy, and if your DMV is closed on Saturday as well, you are looking at a three-day backlog. Many people try to reschedule for the first business day after the holiday.

If you have an appointment scheduled for Black Friday, contact your DMV when ready to reschedule. Do not assume the appointment will be automatically moved. Some systems cancel appointments on closed days, while others keep them on the books and you will need to call to change the date.

What to do if you need DMV services and your office is closed

If your local DMV is closed on Black Friday and you need a service urgently, check whether your state offers online services. Many states let you renew a driver's license, update your address, or request a duplicate registration online without visiting an office. These services are often available even when physical locations are closed.

If your task requires an in-person visit, look for a different location in your state that might be open. Some states keep a limited number of offices open on holidays. Your state DMV website should list which locations are open on Black Friday.

If no location is open and you cannot wait, your only option is to return the Monday after Black Friday. Plan to arrive early or book an appointment online if your state offers that option.

Scam alert: Fake DMV holiday notices

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from your state DMV and announcing Black Friday hours or special holiday services. Scammers sometimes send fake messages directing you to a website that looks like the real DMV but is designed to steal your personal information.

Always go directly to your state's official DMV website by typing the URL yourself or searching for "[your state] DMV" in a search engine. Do not click links in emails or texts, even if they look official. If you receive a suspicious message, report it to your state's DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states allow online license renewals, but not all. Check your state DMV website to see what services are available online. If your state offers online renewal and you are may be able to access, you can complete it any day, including Black Friday, without visiting an office.

What if I have an appointment scheduled for Black Friday?

Contact your DMV when ready to reschedule. Do not assume the appointment will be moved automatically. Some states cancel appointments on closed days, and you will need to book a new time slot. Call or check your state's website to reschedule.

Are DMV offices open the Saturday after Black Friday?

Most DMVs are not open on Saturdays at all, and if they are, they may have reduced hours. Black Friday closures do not usually extend to Saturday. Check your local office's regular Saturday hours on the state DMV website.

How do I find my state's official DMV website?

Search for "[your state] DMV" in a search engine. The official website will appear at the top of results. Avoid third-party sites that claim to help with DMV tasks — go directly to the government website. The URL will usually include ".gov" or your state's name.

What if my state's website does not list Black Friday hours?

Call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the state website. Ask whether they are open on Black Friday and what their hours are. This is the most reliable way to confirm, especially if the website is not updated.