Most DMV offices close on Memorial Day, but some states stay open

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. Most state DMV offices treat it as a federal holiday and close entirely on that day. However, a handful of states keep some locations open with reduced hours or normal hours, so you cannot assume your local office is closed without checking first.

The safest approach is to contact your state DMV directly or check their website before you plan a visit. Many states post holiday schedules weeks in advance, and some let you search by location to see which offices are open. If you need to renew a license or handle registration before Memorial Day, plan your visit for the week before rather than waiting until the last minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMV offices close on Memorial Day, but you must verify with your specific state because policies vary.
  • Check your state DMV website or call your local office at least a few days before Memorial Day to confirm hours.
  • Some states operate a small number of locations on reduced schedules even when most offices are closed.
  • If you need DMV services around Memorial Day, schedule your visit for the week before to avoid closures.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Memorial Day

Your state DMV website is the fastest source. Look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Closures" section, usually found under Hours or Contact Us. Many states list the entire year's closures upfront, so you can see Memorial Day status without calling.

If the website does not show holiday schedules, call your local DMV office directly. Have your county or region ready when you call, because hours vary by location. Ask specifically whether they are open on Memorial Day and what their hours are if they are. Some offices have separate phone lines for different services, so you may need to call the main number rather than a specialty line.

A few states operate online portals where you can search by zip code or office name and see hours for specific dates. If your state offers this, it is usually faster than calling.

States that typically stay open on Memorial Day

A small number of states do not observe Memorial Day as a DMV closure. These include Texas, Florida, and a few others, though even in these states, individual locations may have different hours or may close. Some offices in these states operate on a reduced schedule or with limited services on the holiday.

Even if your state typically stays open, do not assume your specific office will be. Call ahead or check the website for your location. Holiday schedules can change year to year, and some offices may close for staffing or maintenance even if the state policy is to stay open.

What to do if you need DMV services on or near Memorial Day

If your important date falls close to Memorial Day, visit the DMV the week before. This gives you a buffer in case your first visit does not complete everything you need, and it avoids the risk of finding your office unexpectedly closed.

If you cannot visit before Memorial Day, check whether your state offers online services. Many states let you renew licenses, update addresses, or pay registration fees through their website without visiting an office. Some also offer mail-in renewal for licenses or registration, though this usually takes longer.

If you must handle something in person and your office is closed on Memorial Day, plan to visit the day after. Be aware that the day after a holiday is often busy, so expect longer wait times.

Scam alert: fake holiday closure notices

Scammers sometimes send emails or texts claiming the DMV is closed and directing you to a fake website to "reschedule" or "renew online." These sites steal your personal information and may charge you money for nothing.

Always go directly to your state DMV's official website by typing the address into your browser yourself, not by clicking a link in an email or text. The real DMV website ends in .gov (for example, dmv.ca.gov). If you receive a message about DMV closures, ignore the link and visit the official site directly to verify.

Planning ahead for holiday closures

Mark your state's DMV holiday schedule on your calendar as soon as you know you will need services. Most states close on the same federal holidays each year: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some states also close on additional state-specific holidays.

If you have a important date coming up — a license expiration, registration renewal, or a court-ordered requirement — do not wait until the last week. Visit the DMV at least two weeks before your important date to leave time for any issues or return visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states allow online renewal for driver's licenses and vehicle registration, though not all services are available online. Check your state DMV website to see what you can do without visiting an office. If your state does not offer online renewal, you will need to visit after Memorial Day.

Will my appointment be cancelled if I scheduled it for Memorial Day?

If you booked an appointment for Memorial Day and the office is closed, the DMV should contact you to reschedule. However, do not rely on this — call your local office a few days before to confirm your appointment is still scheduled or to reschedule yourself if needed.

What if my license expires on Memorial Day?

Your license is still valid on Memorial Day even if the DMV is closed. You have a grace period after expiration to renew, which varies by state but is usually 30 to 90 days. Visit the DMV the day after the holiday or earlier in the week before to renew without penalty.

Are DMV satellite offices open on Memorial Day if the main office is closed?

Satellite offices and regional locations usually follow the same holiday schedule as the main DMV office, but not always. Check your state's website or call the specific location you plan to visit. Some states list hours for each office separately during holidays.

How do I know the DMV website I found is real?

Real state DMV websites end in .gov and include the state abbreviation (for example, dmv.ny.gov or dmv.texas.gov). If a site ends in .com or .net, it is not the official DMV. Bookmark your state's real DMV site so you can return to it directly without searching.