Most DMVs are open on Columbus Day, but some states and counties observe it as a holiday

Whether your local DMV is open on Columbus Day depends on your state and sometimes your county. The federal government observes Columbus Day as a holiday, but not every state does — and even states that observe it may keep their DMV offices open anyway. The safest approach is to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local office before you go, because closure policies vary widely and change year to year.

Columbus Day falls on the second Monday in October. Some states treat it as a paid holiday for all government employees and close their offices. Other states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day but may still close DMV offices on that date. Still others keep DMVs open regardless of the federal holiday calendar.

Key Takeaways

  • Columbus Day closures at the DMV are not consistent across states — you must check your state's specific holiday schedule.
  • Some states observe Columbus Day but keep DMVs open; others close all government offices on that day.
  • A few states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day but may still close DMV offices on the same date.
  • The fastest way to confirm whether your DMV is open is to visit your state's official DMV website or call your local office directly.

Which states close their DMVs on Columbus Day

States that typically close DMV offices on Columbus Day include Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. However, this list changes — some states have moved away from observing Columbus Day in recent years.

Even within states that observe Columbus Day as a holiday, individual county or regional DMV offices may have different schedules. A DMV in one county might be closed while another nearby is open. This is especially common in larger states where local governments have some control over their own holiday schedules.

States that do not observe Columbus Day

Hawaii, South Dakota, and parts of other states do not observe Columbus Day at all. In these places, DMVs operate on their normal schedule. However, South Dakota officially recognizes Native American Day on the same date, which can sometimes affect office hours even if the day is not called Columbus Day.

Alaska observes Seward's Day instead of Columbus Day, so DMVs there are typically open on Columbus Day. Nevada observes Nevada Day in October but not Columbus Day, so DMVs are usually open on the federal holiday.

States that have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day

A growing number of states have officially renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. These include California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. However, renaming the holiday does not automatically mean DMV offices are open — many of these states still close government offices on that date, just under a different name.

If your state has made this change, check whether your DMV treats Indigenous Peoples' Day the same way it treated Columbus Day. Some states have kept the closure; others have made the day a regular business day.

How to learn about your specific DMV is open

The most reliable way to confirm whether your DMV is open on Columbus Day is to visit your state's official DMV website and look for a holiday schedule or closure calendar. Most state DMV sites publish their full holiday schedule at the beginning of the year or in early fall.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. The phone number is on your state's DMV website. Ask specifically whether they will be open on Columbus Day and what their hours will be. If you are calling a few days before the holiday, you will get a faster answer than if you call on the day itself.

You can also check your state's general government holiday calendar, which usually lists all days when state offices are closed. This is often found on your state's official website under "Human Resources" or "State Holidays."

Planning ahead if your DMV might be closed

If you need to visit the DMV around Columbus Day, do not assume your office will be open or closed based on what happened last year. Holiday schedules can change, and some DMVs adjust their hours even when they remain technically open.

Schedule your visit for a different day if possible. If you must go near Columbus Day, confirm the hours first and consider going the day before the holiday or the day after, when offices are definitely operating at full capacity. Many DMVs are busier than usual on the days when ready following a holiday, so plan for a longer wait.

If you need to renew a license or registration and the important date falls on or near Columbus Day, submit your paperwork by mail or through your state's online portal if available. This way, you avoid the rush and do not have to worry about holiday closures.

What to do if you need DMV services on Columbus Day

If your DMV is closed on Columbus Day and you need services urgently, look for alternative options. Many states offer online services for license renewal, address changes, and registration renewal — these are available 24/7 regardless of office closures.

Some states also operate DMV kiosks or partner with other agencies (like some post offices or insurance offices) to handle certain transactions. Check your state's website to see whether these options are available for what you need to do.

If you have an appointment scheduled for Columbus Day and your DMV is closed, you will usually receive a notice. If you do not hear anything, call ahead to confirm. Do not show up on the day expecting to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DMV closed on Columbus Day in all states?

No. Most states close DMV offices on Columbus Day, but a few do not observe the holiday at all. Hawaii, Alaska, and Nevada have different holiday schedules. Even in states that observe Columbus Day, some counties or regional offices may stay open. Check your state's DMV website to be sure.

If my state renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, is the DMV still closed?

Usually yes, but not always. States like California and Colorado renamed the holiday but still close government offices on that date. Others have made it a regular business day. Your state's DMV website will show whether the office is closed on Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Can I renew my license online if the DMV is closed on Columbus Day?

Many states allow online renewal for licenses and registrations. This option is available 24/7 and does not depend on office hours. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online renewal is available for your situation.

What if I have an appointment on Columbus Day and the DMV is closed?

You will usually be notified if your appointment is cancelled due to a holiday closure. If you are unsure, call your local DMV office to confirm. Do not assume your appointment is still valid.

How far in advance should I check if the DMV is open on Columbus Day?

Check at least a few days before you plan to visit. This gives you time to reschedule if needed and to look for alternative options like online services. Calling the day before is the most reliable way to confirm current hours.