Most DMVs are closed on Good Friday, but it depends on your state

Good Friday is not a federal holiday that requires all businesses to close, so DMV closure on that day is decided by each state. Most states do close their DMV offices on Good Friday — it is treated as a religious holiday similar to Easter — but a handful keep some or all locations open. You need to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local office to know for certain whether you can visit on that day.

The safest approach is to plan your visit for a different day. If you must go on Good Friday, contact your DMV directly before you travel. Many states post holiday schedules weeks in advance, so you can find this information online without calling.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Friday closures vary by state — some DMVs close statewide, others stay open, and some close only certain locations.
  • Your state DMV website lists holiday schedules, usually updated by January for the full year.
  • If your state does close on Good Friday, the office typically reopens the following Monday or Tuesday.
  • Calling ahead takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip if your local office is unexpectedly closed.

Which states close their DMV on Good Friday

States that observe Good Friday as a DMV holiday include California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. However, this list changes occasionally as states revise their holiday policies, and some states on this list may keep certain regional offices open even when most locations close.

States that typically remain open on Good Friday include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Again, individual locations within these states may have different hours, and policies can shift.

The most reliable source is your state's DMV website. Search "[your state] DMV holiday schedule" or look for a link labeled "Hours" or "Locations" on the main page. Most states publish their full-year holiday calendar by early January.

How to learn about your specific DMV location is open

Visit your state DMV's official website and search for "holiday hours" or "Good Friday." Many states have a dedicated page listing which days all offices close and which days some locations stay open. If your state does not post this information online, call your local DMV office directly. The wait time for a phone call is usually shorter on the day before Good Friday than on the day itself.

When you call, have your county or city name ready so the staff member can tell you about your nearest office. Ask not only whether they are open on Good Friday, but also what their regular hours are that week — some offices adjust their schedule around holidays even if they remain technically open.

What to do if your DMV is closed on Good Friday

If you need a service that cannot wait, check whether your state offers online options. Many states now allow you to renew a driver's license, update your address, or request a duplicate document through their website without visiting an office. Visit your state DMV website and look for "online services" or "virtual services."

If your task requires an in-person visit, plan to go the day before Good Friday (Thursday) or the day after (Saturday or Monday, depending on your state's weekend hours). Thursday is often less crowded than Monday because fewer people anticipate the Friday closure. If you wait until Monday, expect longer wait times as people reschedule their visits.

Planning ahead to avoid Good Friday closures

Good Friday falls on a different date each year — it is calculated based on the lunar calendar and occurs between March 22 and April 25. Mark the date on your calendar as soon as you know when you need to visit the DMV. If your task has a important date (renewing a license that expires in April, for example), complete it at least one week before Good Friday to avoid any risk of missing the important date.

If you are scheduling an appointment at your DMV, book it for a date other than Good Friday. Most state DMV systems let you choose your appointment date online, and you will see when ready whether Good Friday is available. If it appears available in the booking system, call to confirm before finalizing, because some systems do not update holiday closures in real time.

Regional differences in DMV holiday policies

Some states close all DMV offices on Good Friday but keep certain satellite locations or kiosks open for limited services like license renewals. Other states close the main office but keep regional branches open. A few states leave the decision to individual counties or cities, so your DMV might be open while another county's is closed.

This variation is why calling ahead matters more than relying on a general rule. A neighbor in the next county might have a different experience than you do. Your state DMV website should clarify whether closures are statewide or location-specific, but if the information is unclear, a quick phone call removes all doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states allow online renewal for standard driver's license renewals, but the option depends on your state and how long it has been since your last renewal. Check your state DMV website for "online renewal" or "virtual services." If you are may be able to access, you can complete it any day, including Good Friday.

What if my license expires on or right after Good Friday?

Visit the DMV before Good Friday to renew. If you cannot make it before then, most states give you a grace period of 30 to 60 days after expiration to renew without penalty. Check your state's specific grace period policy on their website, but do not rely on it — renew early if possible.

Are DMV kiosks open on Good Friday if the office is closed?

Some states operate self-service kiosks in grocery stores or other locations that remain open even when the main DMV office closes. These kiosks typically handle only renewals and address changes, not new licenses or ID cards. Check your state DMV website for kiosk locations and their hours.

Will I get a longer wait time if I go the Monday after Good Friday?

Yes, typically. People who could not visit on Friday often reschedule for Monday, creating a backlog. If possible, visit on Thursday before the closure or wait until Tuesday or later in the week when traffic returns to normal.

How do I find my state's DMV holiday schedule?

Search "[your state] DMV holiday hours" or visit your state's official DMV website and look for a link labeled "Hours," "Locations," or "Holiday Schedule." Most states publish their full-year calendar by January. If you cannot find it online, call your local office.