Most DMV offices close on federal holidays, but some stay open on state-specific observances

The DMV closes on the same federal holidays as other government offices: 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. However, the exact dates your local office closes depend on which state you live in and how that state observes each holiday. Some states shift a holiday to the nearest weekday if it falls on a weekend; others observe it on the actual date regardless.

Beyond federal holidays, many states add their own observances. For example, some Southern states close for Confederate Memorial Day, while others observe Cesar Chavez Day or Statewide Day of Mourning. A few states have unique closures tied to local history or culture. The only reliable way to know whether your specific DMV location will be open is to check your state's DMV website or call the office directly before you plan a visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day close most DMV offices nationwide, but the exact observance date varies by state.
  • Many states add their own holidays beyond the federal list, so your DMV may close on days when offices in other states remain open.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the full closure calendar for the year, usually updated by January.
  • If you need a service on or near a holiday, plan ahead by scheduling an appointment or visiting several days before the closure.
  • Some DMV services are available online year-round, including address changes and license renewals in many states, so you may not need an in-person visit.

How to find your state's holiday closure schedule

Each state DMV publishes its holiday calendar on the main website, usually under a section called "Hours" or "Locations." The calendar typically covers the full calendar year and lists every day the office will be closed. Some states break it down by location, since regional offices may have different hours or closures based on local holidays.

If you cannot find the calendar online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on your state's DMV website, organized by county or region. Staff can tell you whether your specific office will be open on a date you are considering, and they can also let you know if the office has reduced hours on the day before or after a holiday.

Planning around holiday closures

If you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or handle another DMV task around a holiday, start at least two weeks before the closure. Check whether your state offers the service online—many states now allow license renewals, address changes, and vehicle registration renewals through their website without an office visit. If the service is available online, you can complete it any day, including holidays.

If you must visit in person, schedule an appointment if your state's DMV offers them. Appointment slots often fill up in the days before a holiday, so book as soon as you know you need to go. If appointments are not available, plan to arrive early on a weekday before the holiday, when offices are typically less crowded than they are on the day when ready before a closure.

What happens if you miss a important date because of a holiday closure

If your license or registration expires on a holiday or the day the DMV is closed, most states automatically extend the important date by one business day. This means if your license expires on Christmas (when the DMV is closed), you usually have until the next business day the office is open to renew it without penalty. However, this grace period applies only to the DMV closure itself—it does not extend your legal important date to drive with a valid license.

Some states are more lenient than others. A few states will waive late fees if you can show that the DMV closure prevented you from renewing on time. To find out your state's policy, check the DMV website or call your local office. If you are unsure whether a grace period applies to you, renew before the holiday to avoid any risk.

Holiday hours versus full closures

Not all DMV offices close completely on every holiday. Some states keep certain high-traffic locations open with reduced hours—for example, staying open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. instead of the usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other states close the main office but keep a satellite location open in larger cities. A few states operate limited services on certain holidays, such as accepting renewals but not handling new license applications.

Your state's website should specify whether your office has holiday hours or is fully closed. If the website is unclear, call ahead. Showing up expecting the office to be open when it is actually closed wastes a trip, especially around busy holiday periods when the next available appointment may be weeks away.

Online services that work on holidays

Many states allow you to complete DMV tasks online without waiting for the office to reopen. Common services available year-round include renewing your driver's license (if you are not changing your address or photo), updating your address after a move, and renewing vehicle registration. Some states also let you order a replacement license or ID card online and pick it up at a kiosk or by mail.

Check your state's DMV website to see which services are available online. If you can handle your task this way, you avoid the holiday closure problem entirely. Online services typically take three to ten business days to process, so plan ahead if you need the document by a specific date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DMV open on the day after Thanksgiving?

The day after Thanksgiving (the Friday) is not a federal holiday, so most DMV offices are open. However, some states observe a state holiday on that day or keep offices closed as part of an extended holiday period. Check your state's calendar to be sure, since this varies by location.

What if I need to renew my license and the DMV is closed for a week?

If your state offers online renewal, you can renew without visiting the office. If you must go in person, schedule an appointment before the closure or plan to visit several days earlier when the office is less crowded. If your license expires during the closure, most states extend the important date by one business day automatically.

Do all DMV offices in my state close on the same days?

Most do, but some states keep certain locations open with reduced hours while others close completely. Regional offices may also have different schedules based on local holidays. Your state's website should list closures by location, or you can call your specific office to confirm.

Can I do a vehicle registration renewal on a holiday?

If your state allows online registration renewal, yes—you can renew any day, including holidays. If your state requires an in-person visit, you will need to go when the office is open. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your registration type can be renewed online.

What should I do if I forgot about a DMV closure and need a service urgently?

Call your local DMV office to ask about emergency services or expedited appointments after the closure ends. Some states handle urgent cases (such as a license needed for work) differently than routine renewals. If you need the document for travel or work, ask whether the office can fit you in on the first day it reopens.