Most DMVs are closed on Christmas Eve, but hours vary by state and location

Whether your local DMV is open on Christmas Eve depends on your state and the specific office. Some states close all DMV locations on December 24th. Others keep certain offices open with reduced hours or normal hours. A few states observe Christmas Eve as a half-day closure, meaning morning hours only. You cannot assume your office follows the same schedule as another state or even another office in your own state.

The safest approach is to check your state's DMV website directly or call your local office before you go. Most state DMV websites have a holiday hours section, and calling takes two minutes. If you need to handle something on December 24th, do not wait until that morning to find out whether your office is open.

Key Takeaways

  • Christmas Eve closures are set by individual states, so you must check your state's DMV website or call your local office to know for certain.
  • Some states close all offices on December 24th, while others keep offices open with standard or reduced hours.
  • Calling ahead takes minutes and prevents a wasted trip during a busy holiday period.
  • If your office is closed on Christmas Eve, the next business day is often December 26th (since December 25th is Christmas), and wait times may be longer.
  • Online services like license renewal or address changes may be available even when physical offices are closed.

How to find your DMV's Christmas Eve hours

Start with your state's official DMV website. Most states publish holiday schedules weeks in advance, usually in a section labeled "Holiday Hours," "Office Hours," or "Closures." Search for your state name plus "DMV holiday hours" if you cannot find it on the main page.

If the website does not list Christmas Eve specifically, call your local DMV office directly. Have your county or region name ready. The phone number is on the state DMV website. Staff can tell you when ready whether December 24th is a regular business day, a half day, or a full closure at your location.

Do not rely on Google Maps or third-party sites for holiday hours. These sources often show outdated information or do not account for state-specific closures. The state DMV website and the office phone number are your only reliable sources.

What states typically do on Christmas Eve

Most states treat Christmas Eve as a regular business day and keep DMV offices open with standard hours. However, some states close all offices on December 24th, and a smaller number close in the afternoon only. A few states give employees the day off but keep one or two regional offices open for urgent matters.

States that close entirely on Christmas Eve include some that also close on December 26th to give employees a longer holiday break. If your office is closed on December 24th, check whether it will be open on December 26th before planning your visit. December 25th (Christmas Day) is a federal holiday and virtually all DMVs nationwide are closed.

Planning ahead if your office is closed

If your local DMV is closed on Christmas Eve, you have several options. First, visit on December 23rd if possible. Wait times are often shorter mid-week than on Fridays, and you will avoid the rush that sometimes happens the day before a closure.

Second, check whether your state offers online services. Many states allow you to renew your license, update your address, or request a duplicate document through their website without visiting an office. These services work even when offices are closed. Look for an "Online Services" or "Renew Online" section on your state DMV website.

Third, if you need an in-person service and your office is closed on December 24th, plan to visit on December 26th. Be prepared for longer wait times, as other people will have the same idea. Arrive early or use any online appointment system your state offers.

Services you can handle online instead

Many states let you complete common DMV tasks online without visiting an office, and these services are available even on days when physical offices are closed. License renewal is the most common online option. Address changes, duplicate license requests, and vehicle registration renewals are also frequently available online.

Check your state DMV website for an "Online Services" portal. You will typically need your driver's license number, date of birth, and sometimes a credit card for fees. Processing times vary by state — some issue a new license within days, while others mail it within two weeks. Online services cannot handle everything (commercial licenses, certain ID replacements, and in-person vision tests still require an office visit), but they cover many routine tasks.

What to do if you have an urgent need on Christmas Eve

If you have a genuine emergency on Christmas Eve — such as a suspended license that affects your ability to work — call your local DMV office first thing that morning. Explain the situation to the staff member who answers. Some offices have procedures for urgent cases and may be able to help even on a day when they are normally closed or have reduced hours.

If your office cannot help, ask whether another office in your state is open or has extended hours. Some states keep one regional office open on holidays for emergencies. The staff member can direct you to the nearest option.

For truly time-sensitive matters, also check whether your state has a DMV mobile unit or satellite office that might have different holiday hours than the main office.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume your DMV follows the same schedule as last year. Holiday hours change, and some states adjust their policies annually. Do not rely on a friend's experience at a different office — even within the same state, hours can differ.

Do not show up on December 24th without calling first. A wasted trip during the holidays is frustrating and wastes time you could spend elsewhere. Do not wait until December 24th to handle something that could be done online or on an earlier date.

Do not confuse Christmas Eve with Christmas Day. December 25th is always closed nationwide. December 24th varies by state and office, which is why you must check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DMV open on Christmas Eve in all states?

No. Most states keep offices open on December 24th with standard hours, but some states close all offices that day. A few states close in the afternoon only. You must check your specific state and local office to know for certain.

Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Christmas Eve?

Many states offer online license renewal, and these services work even when offices are closed. Check your state DMV website for an "Online Services" or "Renew Online" section. Processing times vary, so do not wait until the last minute if your license expires soon.

What if I need to visit the DMV on December 24th but my office is closed?

Call your local DMV to ask whether another office in your state is open that day. Some states keep one regional office open on holidays. If no office is open, plan to visit on December 26th, but expect longer wait times.

Will the DMV be open on December 26th if it is closed on Christmas Eve?

Usually yes, but not always. Some states close both December 24th and December 26th to give employees an extended holiday. Check your state DMV website or call to confirm December 26th hours before you plan your visit.

How do I find my local DMV's Christmas Eve hours?

Visit your state's official DMV website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Office Closures" section. If you cannot find it, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on the state website. Do not rely on Google Maps or third-party sites, as they often show outdated holiday information.