Most DMV offices close on Presidents Day, but some stay open

Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. Most state DMV offices treat it as a federal holiday and close entirely on that day. However, some states run a small number of locations on a limited schedule, and a few states do not observe the holiday at all. You cannot assume your local office will be open — you need to check your state's specific policy before making a trip.

The safest approach is to contact your DMV directly or check your state's official website the day before Presidents Day. Many DMVs post holiday schedules weeks in advance, but some do not update their websites reliably. A quick phone call takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMV offices close on Presidents Day, but a handful of states keep some locations open with reduced hours.
  • Your state's official DMV website will list which offices are open and closed on Presidents Day, usually under a holiday schedule section.
  • Calling your local DMV office directly is the fastest way to confirm whether it will be open on Presidents Day.
  • If your DMV is closed on Presidents Day, plan to visit the day before or the day after, as wait times are often longer after a holiday.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Presidents Day

Start with your state's DMV website. Look for a section labeled "Holiday Hours," "Office Hours," or "Closures." Most states post their full-year holiday schedule there. If you cannot find it on the website, use the office locator tool to find your specific DMV location, then call the number listed.

When you call, ask directly: "Will this office be open on Presidents Day?" Do not ask whether the DMV is open in general — ask about your specific location. Some states have one or two offices that stay open while the rest close. If you reach an automated system, listen for a holiday schedule option or press the number for office hours.

If you are planning ahead, check the schedule now rather than the morning of. DMV staff are busier on or near holidays, and you may have trouble reaching someone by phone on Presidents Day itself.

States that keep some DMV offices open on Presidents Day

A small number of states do not fully close on Presidents Day. California, Texas, Florida, and New York each keep select DMV locations open with reduced hours — typically 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or similar. These are usually high-traffic locations in major cities. However, the majority of offices in these states are still closed.

Even if your state is one that keeps offices open, do not assume your local DMV will be. Check which specific locations are operating before you go. The state website will list them, or you can call ahead.

What to do if your DMV is closed on Presidents Day

If your DMV is closed on Presidents Day, you have three options: visit the day before, visit the day after, or use an online service if your state offers one.

The day before Presidents Day is often busy because people anticipate the closure, so expect a longer wait. The day after is typically even busier — people who could not go before the holiday all come in at once. If you can visit earlier in the week or later in the week, you may have a shorter wait.

Some states allow you to renew a driver's license, register a vehicle, or handle other routine tasks online or by mail. Check your state's website to see whether your specific transaction can be done without visiting an office. This is often faster than waiting in line, even on a regular business day.

Scam alert: Fake DMV holiday notices

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from your state DMV and announcing holiday closures or special holiday hours. Scammers sometimes send fake messages that look official, with links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal information or payment details.

Your state DMV will never ask you to click a link in an unsolicited email or text to confirm your information. If you receive a message like this, do not click the link. Instead, go directly to your state's official DMV website by typing the URL into your browser yourself, or call the DMV's main phone number (which you can find through a web search for "[your state] DMV phone number").

Planning around Presidents Day if you need DMV services

If you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or handle another DMV task, do not wait until the week of Presidents Day. DMV offices are busier than usual in the days leading up to and following any holiday, and you may face longer waits or appointment unavailability.

If your important date falls near Presidents Day — for example, your license expires on February 20 — handle it the week before. This gives you a buffer and avoids the holiday rush. Many states let you renew online or by mail if you are not changing your address or photo, which can be much faster than visiting an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your state and the type of renewal. Most states allow online renewal for standard driver's license renewals if you are not changing your address or photo. Check your state's DMV website to see what services are available online. This option is not affected by holiday closures.

What if I have an appointment scheduled on Presidents Day?

If you booked an appointment for Presidents Day and your DMV is closed, the appointment will be cancelled automatically. You will need to reschedule. Check your state's website or call to book a new appointment as soon as possible, especially if your important date is approaching.

Do all federal holidays close the DMV?

Most state DMVs close on major federal holidays like Presidents Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. However, policies vary by state. Some states stay open on certain holidays or keep a limited number of offices open. Check your state's holiday schedule on its official website.

Will the DMV be less crowded the day after Presidents Day?

No — the day after a holiday is typically busier than usual because people who could not visit on the holiday come in all at once. If you have flexibility, visit earlier in the week or later in the week to avoid the post-holiday rush.