Yes, most DMV offices close on Presidents Day
The DMV is closed on Presidents Day (the third Monday in February) in most states. This is a federal holiday, and state motor vehicle departments treat it the same way they treat other federal holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. However, the exact closure varies by state — some DMVs may stay open in limited locations or offer online services, so you should check your specific state's holiday schedule before planning a visit.
Presidents Day closures mean you cannot visit a physical DMV office, take a written test, or do an in-person road test on that day. If you have an appointment scheduled for Presidents Day, it will be cancelled or automatically rescheduled. Online services like renewing a registration or changing your address may still be available through your state's website, depending on how your state's system is set up.
Key Takeaways
- Most state DMV offices close entirely on Presidents Day, the third Monday in February, because it is a federal holiday.
- You cannot take a written test, road test, or visit a physical office on Presidents Day, but some states allow online transactions to continue.
- If you have an appointment on Presidents Day, contact your DMV ahead of time to reschedule or check whether it has been automatically moved.
- Check your state DMV's website for its specific holiday schedule, as a small number of states may have different rules for certain locations.
- Plan ahead if you need an in-person service — the day before and the day after Presidents Day are typically busy at DMV offices.
How to find your state's Presidents Day closure schedule
Your state DMV website lists all holidays when offices will be closed. Search "[your state] DMV holidays" or go directly to your state's motor vehicle department website and look for a "Holiday Schedule" or "Office Hours" page. Most states post this information prominently during January and February.
If you cannot find the schedule online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on your state's DMV website. Ask whether your specific location is closed on Presidents Day and whether any satellite offices or service centers remain open. Some larger cities have multiple DMV locations, and occasionally one location stays open while others close.
What to do if you have an appointment on Presidents Day
If you scheduled an appointment for Presidents Day, the DMV will either cancel it automatically or reschedule it to the next available date. You may receive a notice by mail or email, but do not rely on this — contact your DMV directly to confirm your new appointment date. Call the number on your appointment confirmation letter or your state's DMV website.
Rescheduling is usually free, but you may lose your preferred time slot. If you need the service urgently (for example, your license expires soon), ask whether the DMV can move you to the day before or the day after Presidents Day. Be aware that these days fill up quickly as people reschedule around the holiday.
Online services that may work on Presidents Day
Many states allow you to renew your registration, pay registration fees, change your address, or order a replacement license online, even when physical offices are closed. These services run through your state's website and do not require DMV staff to process them when ready. Check your state DMV website to see which transactions you can complete online.
However, not all states offer the same online services, and some services (like getting a new license photo or taking a road test) cannot be done remotely. If the service you need is not available online, you will have to wait until the DMV reopens on the day after Presidents Day.
Planning ahead to avoid Presidents Day delays
The day before and the day after Presidents Day are typically the busiest days at the DMV. People who could not get in on Presidents Day itself, plus those who planned ahead and scheduled appointments early, all converge on these dates. If you need an in-person service, try to schedule your appointment at least one week before Presidents Day or wait until the following week if your timeline allows.
If you are getting close to a important date (your license or registration expires soon), do not wait until the week of Presidents Day. Handle it the week before, or use online services if they are available in your state. This keeps you from being caught in a rush if something goes wrong or if you have to reschedule.
Scam alert: fake DMV closure notices
Scammers sometimes send emails or texts claiming the DMV is closed for an unusual reason and directing you to click a link or call a number to "reschedule" or "confirm" your appointment. These are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information or money. The real DMV will never ask you to click a link in an unsolicited email or text.
If you receive a suspicious message about a DMV closure or appointment, ignore it. Instead, go directly to your state's official DMV website (type the URL yourself rather than clicking a link) or call the DMV phone number listed there. Do not give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you first.
Other federal holidays when the DMV closes
Presidents Day is one of several federal holidays when most DMV offices close. The others typically include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some states also close on additional holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Veterans Day. Your state DMV website lists all of them.
If you are planning a major transaction (like getting your first license or renewing after a long time), check the full holiday schedule before you book your appointment. This prevents you from accidentally scheduling around a closure and having to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration online if the DMV is closed on Presidents Day?
It depends on your state. Many states allow online registration renewal even when offices are closed, but some do not. Check your state DMV website to see which services are available online. If online renewal is not an option in your state, you will have to wait until the DMV reopens.
What if my license expires on Presidents Day?
Your license is still valid on Presidents Day itself — the expiration date does not change because the DMV is closed. However, you should renew before that date if possible. If you cannot get in before Presidents Day, renew the day after. Most states give you a grace period of a few days after expiration before you face penalties for driving with an expired license.
Are DMV satellite offices or kiosks open on Presidents Day?
Most satellite offices and service centers close on Presidents Day along with the main DMV office. However, some states operate unmanned kiosks (for photo renewal or registration stickers) that may work 24/7. Check your state's website or call ahead to ask whether any kiosks are available in your area on the holiday.
If I have an appointment scheduled, will the DMV automatically reschedule me?
Many states automatically reschedule appointments that fall on federal holidays, but not all do. Do not assume — contact your DMV directly using the number on your appointment confirmation to confirm your new date. This takes five minutes and prevents you from showing up on a day the office is closed.
Can I take my road test on Presidents Day?
No. Road tests require a DMV examiner and cannot be conducted when the DMV is closed. If your test is scheduled for Presidents Day, contact your DMV to reschedule. Road test slots fill up quickly, so reschedule as soon as you know about the closure.