DMV offices close on federal holidays, and some states add their own
Your state DMV will be closed on the federal holidays that the U.S. government observes. These 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 also close on additional holidays specific to that state — for example, some Southern states close on Confederate Memorial Day, and some Western states close on days honoring Native Americans or local historical figures.
The exact list of closures depends on which state you live in. Your state DMV website will post its holiday schedule, usually in a calendar or list format. If you cannot find it there, calling your local DMV office directly will tell you which days they are closed this year.
Many DMV offices also close on the day after Thanksgiving, even though it is not a federal holiday. Some close for a half-day on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. A few states close on Election Day. Check your state's specific schedule before you plan a visit.
Key Takeaways
- Federal holidays when all DMV offices close include 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.
- Many states add their own holidays to the closure calendar, so your DMV may be closed on days that are not federal holidays.
- Your state DMV website lists the full holiday schedule, and you can call your local office to confirm closure dates before you visit.
- Some DMV offices close for a half-day on days like Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving, even if they are not fully closed.
How to find your state's DMV holiday schedule
Start by visiting your state DMV's official website. Look for a section labeled "Hours," "Office Hours," "Locations," or "Holiday Schedule." Most state DMVs post a calendar showing which days the office will be closed. Some list the holidays by name; others show a full year calendar with closure dates marked.
If you cannot find the schedule online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the state DMV website. When you call, ask specifically which days the office will be closed for the current year and the next few months. This is faster than searching multiple pages.
If you need to know about a specific date — for example, whether the DMV is open the day after Thanksgiving — ask the staff member directly. They can tell you whether that particular office has a half-day closure or is fully closed.
Planning ahead when the DMV is closed
If you need a driver's license renewal, ID card, or vehicle registration before a holiday, do not wait until the last day the office is open. DMV offices are busier than usual the day before a long holiday weekend, and you may not be seen if you arrive late in the day. Plan to visit at least two or three days before the holiday.
If you use an online service — such as license renewal by mail or online vehicle registration renewal — check whether that service is available in your state. Many states allow you to renew a driver's license or register a vehicle online without visiting an office, and these services do not close for holidays. Your state DMV website will tell you which transactions you can complete online.
If you have an appointment scheduled and the DMV closes for a holiday, your appointment will be rescheduled automatically to the next business day, or you will receive a notice telling you to book a new time. Check your email or the DMV website for updates if your appointment falls near a holiday.
What to do if you need DMV services during a holiday
If you need a service that cannot wait until the office reopens, some states offer limited options. A few states have DMV kiosks in grocery stores, pharmacies, or other public locations that may have different hours than the main office. These kiosks usually handle only straightforward transactions like license renewals or ID card photos, not complex services like title transfers or commercial license applications.
Check your state DMV website to see whether kiosks are available in your area and what services they offer. If kiosks are not available, you will need to wait until the office reopens. There is no way to complete most DMV transactions without visiting an office or using an online service.
If you have an urgent situation — for example, you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen — some states allow you to request an emergency appointment or expedited service when the office reopens. Call ahead to ask whether this is an option in your state.
Federal holidays and DMV closures by month
| Holiday | Typical Date | DMV Closed |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Yes, all states |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Yes, all states |
| Presidents' Day | Third Monday in February | Yes, all states |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Yes, all states |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Yes, all states |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Yes, all states |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes, all states |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Yes, most states |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes, all states |
| Thanksgiving | Fourth Thursday in November | Yes, all states |
| Christmas | December 25 | Yes, all states |
State-specific holidays that may close the DMV
Beyond the federal holidays, some states observe additional days when the DMV closes. These vary widely by region and reflect local history or culture. For example, some Southern states close for Confederate Memorial Day (usually in April or May), some Western states close for Native American Day, and a few states close for Arbor Day or other observances.
A handful of states close on Election Day (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years), though this is becoming less common. Some states also close on the day after Thanksgiving, even though it is not a federal holiday.
The only way to know whether your state observes additional holidays is to check your state DMV website or call your local office. Do not assume that because a day is not a federal holiday, the DMV will be open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DMV open on Columbus Day?
Most states close the DMV on Columbus Day (the second Monday in October), but not all. Some states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day and may have different closure policies. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether it is closed on that specific day.
What if I have an appointment scheduled on a holiday?
If you booked an appointment and the DMV is closed that day, the office will either reschedule you automatically or send you a notice to book a new time. Check your email and the DMV website for updates. Do not show up to the office on the holiday — it will be closed.
Can I renew my license online if the DMV office is closed?
Many states allow online license renewal, and online services do not close for holidays. Check your state DMV website to see whether you can renew online. If your state offers this option, you can complete the renewal any day of the year, including holidays.
Does the DMV close the day after Thanksgiving?
Many states close the DMV the day after Thanksgiving, but not all. Some offices stay open with regular hours. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether it is closed that day in your area.
What should I do if I need a license before a holiday?
Visit the DMV at least two or three days before the holiday, not the day before. Offices are much busier the day before a long weekend, and you may not be seen. If you can renew online or by mail, use that option instead to avoid the office entirely.