Most DMVs are closed on Christmas Eve

The vast majority of state DMVs close on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and do not process transactions that day. Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday, but most states treat it as a closure day anyway because many staff members take time off and customer volume drops sharply. A few states keep limited locations open with reduced hours, but you should assume your local office is closed unless you confirm otherwise by phone or online.

The safest approach is to visit your DMV before December 24th or wait until after December 25th. If you have a time-sensitive transaction, plan ahead by at least one week — do not wait until December 23rd expecting to get in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close entirely on Christmas Eve; call your local office to confirm whether yours is open before you go.
  • Christmas Day (December 25th) is a federal holiday and all DMVs are closed nationwide.
  • The day after Christmas (December 26th) is typically open, but expect longer wait times as people reschedule from the holiday closure.
  • If your transaction has a important date in late December, complete it by December 23rd at the latest.

How to check your specific DMV's Christmas Eve hours

Your state DMV website lists holiday closures for each location. Go to your state's DMV homepage, search for "holiday hours" or "office closures," and look for the specific branch you plan to visit. Most sites show the full December and January calendar so you can see which days are closed.

If the website does not clearly state Christmas Eve hours, call the office directly. The phone number is on the location page. Ask whether they are open December 24th and what their hours are — this takes 30 seconds and removes all doubt. Many DMVs have automated phone systems that list holiday closures before you reach a person.

What happens if you need a transaction done before the year ends

If your important date falls between December 24th and January 1st, you have two options: complete the transaction by December 23rd, or wait until after January 1st. Most DMV transactions do not have hard year-end important date, but some do — vehicle registration renewals, license renewals, and commercial driver's license certifications sometimes have specific expiration dates.

Check your document or notice letter to see the exact important date. If it says "expires December 31st," that usually means you must complete the transaction by that date, not that you have until January 1st. If you are unsure, call your DMV and ask whether they can process your transaction on December 23rd or whether you need to reschedule for early January.

DMV closures around Christmas and New Year's

Beyond Christmas Eve, the standard closure pattern is:

  • December 25th (Christmas Day): All DMVs nationwide are closed.
  • December 26th: Most DMVs reopen, but expect longer waits.
  • January 1st (New Year's Day): All DMVs are closed.
  • January 2nd: Most DMVs reopen with normal hours.

Some states also close on December 31st or observe additional holidays depending on state law. Check your state's DMV website for the full holiday calendar before you plan your visit.

Preparing for a post-holiday DMV visit

The days when ready after a holiday closure are the busiest of the year at most DMVs. People who could not go during the closure reschedule for December 26th and January 2nd, creating long lines. If you can visit on December 23rd instead, do so — you will wait far less time.

If you must go after the holiday, bring all required documents and arrive early. Many DMVs open at 8 or 9 a.m., and the shortest waits are usually in the first hour. Bring your phone or a book — waits of 45 minutes to two hours are common on the first business day after a closure.

Using online services to avoid the holiday rush

Many states let you renew licenses, register vehicles, or update address information online without visiting an office. Check your state DMV website to see which transactions you can complete from home. Online services are usually available on holidays when offices are closed, so you can submit your request on December 24th or 25th and avoid the post-holiday crowd entirely.

Not all transactions are available online — commercial driver's license renewals, written tests, and road tests still require an in-person visit. But if your transaction is available online, using it during the holiday closure is the fastest way to avoid lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DMV open on December 24th?

Most DMVs are closed on Christmas Eve. Some states keep a few locations open with limited hours, but this is rare. Call your local office or check your state's website to confirm before you go.

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

Many states allow online renewal for standard driver's licenses and vehicle registration, even when offices are closed. Check your state DMV website to see which services are available online. This is often the fastest option during the holiday period.

What if my license expires on December 31st?

If your license expires on December 31st, you must renew it by that date. Visit the DMV by December 23rd, or use online renewal if your state offers it. Do not wait until December 24th or later — you will not be able to complete the transaction in time.

Will the DMV be less crowded on December 23rd?

December 23rd is usually moderately busy because some people are preparing for the holiday closure, but it is far less crowded than December 26th or January 2nd. If you can visit on December 23rd, you will have a shorter wait than if you go when ready after the holiday.

What if I need an ID for travel after Christmas?

If you need a new ID for travel between December 26th and January 1st, visit the DMV by December 23rd. Expedited services exist in some states but take several business days and cost extra. Plan ahead by at least one week to avoid rush fees and long waits.