Most DMVs are closed on Columbus Day, but some states observe it differently

Whether your DMV is closed on Columbus Day depends on your state. Most states treat Columbus Day as a paid holiday for state employees, which means DMV offices shut down. However, some states do not observe Columbus Day at all, some call it by a different name, and a few keep DMV locations open even when it is a state holiday. You need to check your specific state's DMV website or call ahead rather than assume based on the federal holiday calendar.

The federal government observes Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, but state governments decide whether to recognize it and whether to close their offices. This creates real variation: your DMV might be open while a neighbouring state's is closed, or vice versa.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close on Columbus Day because it is a paid holiday for state employees, but you should confirm with your state's DMV directly rather than assume.
  • Some states do not observe Columbus Day at all, or observe it under a different name like Indigenous Peoples' Day, and may keep DMV offices open.
  • A few states keep select DMV locations open on holidays, so even within a state that observes Columbus Day, some offices might be staffed.
  • The best way to know is to check your state DMV's holiday schedule online or call your local office the week before Columbus Day.

States that close DMVs on Columbus Day

The majority of states close their DMV offices on Columbus Day. This includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, 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, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If your state is on this list, plan to visit the DMV on a different day.

Even within states that close on Columbus Day, some DMVs may have different hours or limited services on the day before or after. Call ahead if you are planning a visit near the holiday.

States that do not observe Columbus Day

Hawaii, South Dakota, and U.S. territories do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday. In these places, DMV offices typically operate on their normal schedule. However, South Dakota officially calls the day Native American Day rather than Columbus Day, though the effect on DMV hours is the same — most offices remain open.

Alaska observes the day as Seward's Day instead, which falls on a different date (the last Monday in March), so Alaska DMVs are open on the second Monday in October. California, Nevada, and Oregon have officially renamed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, but most still close state offices on that day, so DMVs are typically closed even though the name has changed.

How to confirm your DMV's Columbus Day hours

The most reliable way to know whether your DMV is open is to visit your state's official DMV website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page. Most state DMVs publish their full holiday calendar at the start of the year. Search for "[your state] DMV holiday hours" or "[your state] DMV Columbus Day".

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. The week before Columbus Day is the best time to call, when staff can confirm whether they will be open. Have your local office's phone number ready — you can find it on your state DMV website by entering your county or city.

What to do if your DMV is closed on Columbus Day

If you need DMV services and your office is closed on Columbus Day, you have several options. First, visit on the day before or the day after the holiday. Many people wait until after the holiday, so the office may be busier then, but it will be open.

Second, check whether your state offers online services for the transaction you need. Many states now allow you to renew your driver's license, update your address, or pay fees online without visiting an office. Third, if you have a time-sensitive need, contact your DMV in advance to ask whether they can schedule you for a different day or whether any nearby offices have extended hours.

Planning ahead for Columbus Day

If you know you will need DMV services in October, do not wait until Columbus Day week to visit. Most DMVs are busier around holidays because people try to get appointments before closures. Schedule your visit for early October or late September if possible.

If you are renewing a license or registration that expires near Columbus Day, renew it at least a week before the holiday. This gives you time to handle any problems that come up and ensures you are not caught without a valid document if the DMV is closed when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Many states allow online renewal for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, but not all do and not for all situations. Check your state DMV website to see what services are available online. If online renewal is not an option for your transaction, plan to visit before or after the holiday.

Will my local DMV be open if my state observes Columbus Day?

Most DMV offices close on Columbus Day if your state observes it, but a small number of states keep some locations open. Check your state's holiday schedule or call your specific office to confirm. Do not assume all offices in your state have the same hours.

What if I have an appointment scheduled on Columbus Day?

If you booked an appointment for Columbus Day and your DMV is closed, you will need to reschedule. Contact your DMV as soon as possible to move your appointment to another day. Most DMV websites allow you to cancel or reschedule online.

Is Columbus Day a federal holiday for all DMVs?

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but states decide whether to observe it and whether to close their offices. Some state DMVs close, some stay open, and some are in states that do not recognize Columbus Day at all. Your state's rules determine whether your DMV closes.