Most DMVs are closed on Presidents Day, but hours vary by state

Presidents Day falls on the third Monday in February each year. Most state DMV offices close on this federal holiday, though some states operate on a modified schedule or remain open at select locations. You cannot assume your local DMV will be open — the closure policy depends entirely on which state you live in and sometimes on which specific office you plan to visit.

The safest approach is to contact your state DMV directly or check its website before making a trip. A phone call takes two minutes and saves you a wasted drive. If you need to complete DMV business around Presidents Day, plan ahead by scheduling an appointment for the day before or the day after, if your state offers online scheduling.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close entirely on Presidents Day, but some states keep certain offices open or operate on reduced hours.
  • Your state DMV website or customer service line will confirm whether your specific location is open on Presidents Day.
  • If you need to renew a license or register a vehicle around this holiday, schedule your visit for the business day before or after.
  • Some states allow you to complete certain transactions online or by mail, which you can do regardless of DMV office hours.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Presidents Day

Start by visiting your state's DMV website. Most states post holiday hours prominently on the homepage or in a dedicated section labeled "Hours" or "Locations." Search for the specific DMV office you plan to visit — larger cities often have multiple locations with different schedules.

If the website does not clearly state Presidents Day hours, call the DMV customer service line for your state. Have your location or zip code ready. The representative can tell you whether your nearest office is open, whether you need an appointment, and whether you can handle your transaction online instead. Many states now allow license renewals, address changes, and vehicle registration updates through their websites, which means you do not need to visit an office at all.

States that typically remain open on Presidents Day

A small number of states keep at least some DMV offices open on Presidents Day, though they may operate with reduced staff or limited services. These states treat Presidents Day differently than other federal holidays. However, even in states that remain open, not every office location may be staffed, and wait times are often longer than usual.

Do not assume your state is one of them. Check your state DMV website or call ahead. If your state does stay open, you may find that only certain services are available — for example, some offices may handle renewals but not commercial license testing, or vice versa. Confirm what you need to do and whether that specific service is offered on the holiday.

Planning ahead to avoid holiday closures

The simplest solution is to complete your DMV business on a regular business day. If you know you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or update your address, do it in the week before Presidents Day or the week after. This avoids the uncertainty of holiday hours and typically means shorter wait times.

If you cannot visit before the holiday, check whether your state allows online transactions. Most states now let you renew a standard driver's license online if it is not expired and you meet other requirements. Vehicle registration renewals, address changes, and duplicate license requests are also often available online. These options work on Presidents Day and every other day, regardless of office hours.

What to do if you need DMV services on Presidents Day

If your situation is urgent — for example, your license expires on Presidents Day or shortly after — contact your state DMV before the holiday to understand your options. Some states allow you to complete transactions online even if the office is closed. Others may let you schedule an appointment for the first business day after the holiday and extend your important date temporarily.

If you are traveling and need a service that requires an in-person visit, plan your route to include a DMV stop on a day when offices are definitely open. Do not rely on holiday hours being the same across all locations in your state. A DMV office in one city may be open while another in the same state is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states allow online license renewal regardless of office hours. Check your state DMV website to see if you meet the requirements — typically your license must not be expired, you must not need a new photo, and you must not have certain medical conditions. If you may have access to, you can renew online on Presidents Day or any other day.

What if my license expires on Presidents Day?

Contact your state DMV before the holiday. Some states extend the important date automatically for licenses that expire on a holiday. Others allow you to renew online or by mail before the holiday date. Do not wait until Presidents Day itself to find out — call or check the website at least a week in advance.

Are all DMV offices in my state closed on Presidents Day, or just some?

This varies by state. Some states close every office statewide. Others keep certain locations open or operate on reduced hours. Your state DMV website will list which offices are open and which are closed. If the website is unclear, call your specific office location directly.

Can I schedule a DMV appointment for Presidents Day?

If your state offers online appointment scheduling, the system will not allow you to book a slot on a day the office is closed. If you see no available appointments on Presidents Day, that office is closed. Try scheduling for the day before or the day after instead.

What if I need a commercial driver's license test on or around Presidents Day?

Commercial driving tests are typically not available on federal holidays, and wait times for testing can be longer in the days when ready after a holiday. Schedule your test at least one week before or one week after Presidents Day to avoid delays and may support an examiner is available.