DMV holiday closures vary by state, and some states stay open on days others close

Most state DMVs close on federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. But the exact list of closures depends on your state, and a few states keep some offices open on days when others shut down. Some states also observe state-specific holidays that federal offices do not. The best way to know when your DMV will be closed is to check your state's DMV website directly, because the pattern changes year to year and office to office.

If you need to renew a license, register a vehicle, or handle another DMV task before a holiday, plan ahead. Many states let you renew online or by mail, which avoids the need to visit an office at all. If you must go in person, try to schedule an appointment a week or two before the holiday rather than waiting until the last day the office is open.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day cause closures in most states, but the exact dates vary by state.
  • Some states observe additional holidays beyond the federal list, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Presidents' Day, which may or may not close DMV offices.
  • A few states keep certain DMV locations open on holidays while others close, so check your specific office's schedule rather than assuming all offices in your state follow the same pattern.
  • Online renewal, mail-in services, and appointment scheduling can help you avoid visiting during busy periods before a holiday closure.
  • Your state DMV website publishes its 2025 holiday schedule, usually several months in advance.

Federal holidays that typically close DMV offices nationwide

Most state DMVs close on the major federal holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25). In 2025, these dates fall on Wednesday, Monday, Friday, Monday, Thursday, and Monday respectively.

Some states also close on Presidents' Day (third Monday in February, which is February 17 in 2025) and Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January, which is January 20 in 2025). However, not all states treat these as DMV closure days. A handful of states do not close on one or more of the federal holidays, so you cannot assume your DMV will be closed just because it is a federal holiday.

State-specific holidays and regional closures

Several states observe holidays that the federal government does not, and some of these cause DMV closures. For example, some Southern states close on Confederate Memorial Day, which falls on different dates depending on the state. Texas observes Juneteenth (June 19) as a state holiday. Some states in the Northeast close on Patriot's Day or Evacuation Day. These closures are not consistent across the country.

A few states also close on the day after Thanksgiving (the Friday after the fourth Thursday in November). Others close on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, though this is less common. The only way to know whether your state DMV closes on these days is to check your state's official DMV website or call your local office.

How to find your state's 2025 DMV holiday schedule

Every state DMV publishes its holiday closure schedule on its official website, usually under a section labeled "Hours" or "Locations and Hours." Search for "[your state] DMV holiday hours 2025" or go directly to your state's DMV homepage and look for a link to office hours or a holiday schedule. Many states also list the schedule when you search for a specific office location.

If you cannot find the schedule online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the state DMV website. Staff can tell you whether your specific office will be closed on a given date, because some larger states operate different schedules at different locations.

What to do if you need DMV services before a holiday

If you have a task due around a holiday, start early. Many states let you renew your driver's license online or by mail, which takes a week or two but avoids the office entirely. Vehicle registration renewal is also often available online. Check your state DMV website to see which services you can handle without visiting in person.

If you must visit an office, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Most states now offer online appointment booking, and scheduling a week or two before the holiday is much faster than showing up without one. If your state does not offer appointments, arrive early in the morning on a weekday before the holiday rush begins.

Extended closures around major holidays

Some states close for more than one day around major holidays. For example, if Christmas falls on a Monday, some states close on both Monday and Tuesday. If Thanksgiving is on Thursday, some states close on both Thursday and Friday. A few states close the entire week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Check your state's specific schedule to see whether the closure extends beyond the holiday itself.

If you are planning a trip or know you will be away during a holiday period, handle your DMV business before you leave. Waiting until after the holiday is safer than trying to rush through before the office closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my DMV be open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025?

Most states close on MLK Day (January 20, 2025), but not all. Some states that do not observe it as a paid holiday for state employees may keep DMV offices open. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to confirm.

Is the DMV open the day after Thanksgiving?

It depends on your state. Some states close on the Friday after Thanksgiving, while others stay open. Your state DMV website will list whether your office is closed on that day in 2025.

Can I renew my license online to avoid visiting before a holiday?

Many states offer online renewal for driver's licenses, but the rules vary. Some states limit online renewal to certain age groups or require you to have renewed online before. Check your state DMV website to see whether you are able to renew online and how long the process takes.

What if I need to visit the DMV and it is closed on the holiday?

Plan to visit the day before the holiday or the first business day after it reopens. If you have an appointment scheduled for a day the office is closed, you will usually receive a notice to reschedule. Contact your state DMV to move your appointment to an open date.

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

Most do, but some larger states operate different schedules at different locations. Check the hours for your specific office on your state DMV website rather than assuming all offices follow the same schedule.