Most DMVs Close on Federal Holidays, But Hours Vary by State

The DMV closes on the same federal holidays that most government offices observe, but the specific days and whether your local branch stays open depend on your state. There is no single national DMV schedule — each state's Department of Motor Vehicles sets its own holiday calendar, and some branches within the same state may have different hours.

The federal holidays most DMVs observe are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some states add state-specific holidays or observe holidays on different dates. A few states keep certain branches open on some holidays while closing others.

The only reliable way to know whether your DMV will be open on a specific date is to check your state's DMV website or call your local branch directly. Holiday schedules are usually posted two to three months in advance, but they can change.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day close most DMV offices, but your state may observe additional holidays or have different closure dates.
  • Some states keep select DMV locations open on certain holidays while closing others, so you cannot assume all branches in your state follow the same schedule.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the official holiday closure calendar for each location, updated before each holiday season.
  • Calling your local DMV branch directly is the fastest way to confirm whether it will be open on a day you plan to visit.

How to Find Your State's DMV Holiday Schedule

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Most states post a holiday closure calendar on the homepage or under a "Hours and Locations" section. The calendar usually lists every branch location and whether it will be open or closed on each holiday.

If your state's website does not display a full calendar, look for a link to individual branch locations. Many states let you search by city or county, and each location page shows its specific hours and holiday closures. Some states also publish a PDF document with the complete holiday schedule that you can read and save.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV branch directly. The phone number is on the state website, and staff can tell you when ready whether the office will be open on the day you need to visit. This is especially useful if you are planning a trip during a holiday week, because some branches may close for multiple days or observe holidays on different dates than you expect.

Common Federal Holidays When Most DMVs Close

The following holidays typically close DMV offices nationwide, though your state may have exceptions or observe them on different dates:

  • New Year's Day — January 1
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Third Monday in January
  • Presidents' Day — Third Monday in February
  • Memorial Day — Last Monday in May
  • Juneteenth — June 19
  • Independence Day — July 4
  • Labor Day — First Monday in September
  • Columbus Day — Second Monday in October
  • Veterans Day — November 11
  • Thanksgiving — Fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas — December 25

Some states also close on Election Day, Good Friday, or state-specific holidays. A few states do not observe Columbus Day or Columbus Day is called something different. Check your state's calendar to see which holidays explore where you live.

What to Do If You Need DMV Services During a Holiday Week

If you need to renew your license or handle another DMV task during a holiday week, plan ahead. Many people wait until the last minute, and DMV branches are often busier the day before and the day after a holiday closure.

Check whether your state offers online services for your specific need. Many states let you renew your driver's license, register a vehicle, or update your address online without visiting an office. If your task can be done online, you avoid the holiday schedule problem entirely.

If you must visit in person, go early in the week before the holiday or wait until the following week if possible. If you have to go during a holiday week, arrive when the office opens to avoid the longest wait times. Some states also offer appointment scheduling through their website, which can save you time even during busy periods.

State-Specific Holiday Variations

A small number of states observe holidays differently than the federal standard. Some states close on Thanksgiving Friday in addition to Thanksgiving Day. A few states do not observe all federal holidays — for example, some Southern states do not observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday for all government offices, though most DMVs still close.

Some states have regional differences. For example, a state might close all branches on a state holiday, but one or two branches in major cities might stay open with reduced hours. This is rare, but it means you should check your specific location rather than assuming all branches in your state follow the same schedule.

The best approach is to assume nothing and verify with your state's website or your local branch. Holiday schedules can also change from year to year, so even if you know the schedule from last year, confirm it before you plan your visit.

Planning Ahead to Avoid Holiday Closures

Mark your state's DMV holiday closures on your calendar as soon as the schedule is published. Most states post their holiday calendars in late summer or early fall for the rest of the year. If you know you will need to visit the DMV during a specific month, check the calendar when ready so you can plan around closures.

If you are renewing your license or registration, do not wait until the expiration date. Renew at least two weeks before your license or registration expires, so you have time to visit the DMV before a holiday closure or handle it online if a closure is coming up.

If you are moving and need to update your address, do the same. Many states let you update your address online or by mail, which avoids the need to visit during a busy holiday week. Check your state's website for these options before you plan an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DMV open on the day after Thanksgiving?

Most DMVs are closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. The day after Thanksgiving is usually open, but some states close for both days or have reduced hours. Check your state's calendar to be certain, because this varies by location.

Will the DMV be open on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve?

Most DMVs are open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve because these are not federal holidays. However, some states close early on these days or have reduced hours. Call your local branch to confirm if you are planning to visit on these dates.

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

Many states allow online renewal for driver's licenses and vehicle registration, which you can do anytime regardless of DMV office hours. Check your state's website to see whether your specific renewal can be handled online. If it can, you do not need to worry about holiday closures.

What if my license expires on a day the DMV is closed?

Your license is still valid on the expiration date even if the DMV is closed that day. You have a grace period after expiration to renew — the length varies by state, usually 30 to 90 days. Renew as soon as the office reopens after the holiday.

Do all DMV branches in my state close on the same holidays?

Most do, but not all. Some states keep one or two branches open in major cities on certain holidays with reduced hours. Check your specific branch location on your state's website rather than assuming all branches follow the same schedule.