Most DMV offices are closed on December 26, but some states open with reduced hours

Whether your DMV is open the day after Christmas depends on your state and sometimes on your specific location. Most states treat December 26 as a regular business day and operate on normal hours. However, some states observe the Christmas holiday on December 26 if Christmas falls on a Sunday, which means those offices will be closed. A few states close for an extra day after Christmas regardless of what day it falls on.

The safest approach is to check your state DMV's website or call your local branch directly before you go. Holiday schedules change year to year, and some regional offices follow different rules than the main office in your state capital. Many DMVs post their holiday calendar online by November, so you can plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states operate their DMV on December 26 with standard hours, but you should verify with your specific location before visiting.
  • States that observe Christmas on December 26 (when December 25 is a Sunday) will have closed DMV offices that day.
  • Some DMV branches in the same state may have different holiday schedules, so calling ahead takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.
  • Holiday hours are usually posted on state DMV websites by early November, and many offices reduce staff even when technically open.

States that close on December 26

If Christmas falls on a Sunday, federal holiday rules mean the observed holiday shifts to Monday, December 26. States that follow federal holiday schedules will close their DMV offices that day. This happens every six or seven years. When December 25 falls on a weekday (Monday through Friday), most states do not observe an extra holiday on December 26.

Even in states that officially open on December 26, some individual offices may close due to staffing or local policy. County-run DMV branches sometimes have their own holiday schedules separate from the state office. Before you drive to your local DMV, confirm the specific branch's hours on the state website or by phone.

How to find your DMV's December 26 hours

Go to your state's DMV website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page. Most states list their full holiday calendar for the year. Search for "holiday hours" or "December hours" on the site. If you cannot find it online, call your local DMV branch directly — the phone number is on the website, and staff can tell you in one call whether they are open and what time they close.

If you are calling a busy DMV, try calling early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) or late in the afternoon (after 4 p.m.) to reach someone faster. Many DMVs have separate phone lines for general questions versus appointment scheduling, so look for the right number before you call.

What to expect if your DMV is open on December 26

Even if your DMV is technically open on December 26, it may operate with reduced staff and longer wait times than usual. Some offices close at an earlier time than normal. Others run a skeleton crew because many employees take time off around the holidays. Check whether the office has reduced hours posted alongside the holiday schedule.

If you have a choice, visiting on December 27 or 28 is usually faster. The day after Christmas is still part of the holiday period for many people, so offices are less crowded by the following week. If your task is time-sensitive, plan to go early in the morning when lines are shortest, or book an appointment online if your state offers that option.

Planning ahead for holiday DMV visits

If you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or handle another DMV task around the holidays, do it before December 20 if possible. This avoids the rush and the uncertainty of holiday schedules. Many states let you renew your license online or by mail, which takes the holiday schedule out of the equation entirely.

If you must visit in late December, gather all required documents before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any other paperwork the DMV lists for your specific transaction. Having everything ready means you can complete your task quickly even if the office is busy or has limited staff.

Regional differences in holiday closures

Some states close their DMV for the full week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Others close only on December 25 and January 1. A few states close on both December 25 and December 26 regardless of what day of the week they fall on. Texas, for example, closes on December 26 even when Christmas is on a weekday. California typically stays open on December 26 unless it falls on a Sunday.

If you live near a state border, you might have the option to visit a DMV in a neighboring state if your local office is closed. However, you can only conduct transactions in the state where you hold your license or registration, so this is not a workaround for most tasks. Check your state's specific policy on the DMV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on December 26?

Many states let you renew by mail or online year-round, regardless of DMV office hours. Check your state DMV website to see if online renewal is available for your license type. If it is, you can complete the renewal without visiting an office at all.

What if I have an appointment scheduled for December 26 and the DMV is closed?

Contact your state DMV to reschedule. If you booked through the online system, you can usually cancel and rebook for a different date. Call the DMV directly if you cannot reschedule online, and ask for the next available appointment after the holiday.

Do all DMV branches in my state have the same holiday hours?

Not always. Some branches, especially in smaller towns, may have different schedules than the main office. Always check the specific branch location on your state's website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Is December 26 a federal holiday?

December 26 is a federal holiday only when Christmas (December 25) falls on a Sunday. In that case, the observed holiday moves to Monday, December 26. When Christmas falls on a weekday, December 26 is a regular business day for federal offices and most state DMVs.