Most DMVs close on Columbus Day, but some states and counties keep offices open

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, and most state DMVs follow the federal calendar — meaning your local office will be closed on the second Monday in October. However, the rule is not absolute. Some states treat Columbus Day as a paid holiday for staff but keep DMV offices open anyway. Others observe it under a different name (Indigenous Peoples' Day, for example) but still close. A few states do not recognize it at all and operate normally.

The safest approach is to check your state DMV's website or call your local office directly before you go. DMV holiday schedules are posted well in advance, usually by August or September. If your office is closed on Columbus Day and you need to renew registration or handle another transaction, you have options: visit on the day before or after, use an online service if your state offers it, or visit a different county office if one stays open.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close on Columbus Day because it is a federal holiday, but some states keep offices open despite the holiday.
  • Your state DMV website lists holiday closures by office location, usually updated by late summer.
  • If your local office is closed, you can often renew registration online, by mail, or at a different county location.
  • Calling ahead takes two minutes and prevents a wasted trip during a busy registration period.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Columbus Day

Go to your state DMV's official website and look for a holiday schedule or office hours page. Most states list closures by individual office location, not statewide, because some counties or regions may stay open while others close. Search for "DMV holiday hours" or "Columbus Day" on the site, or navigate to your local office's page directly.

If the website does not show Columbus Day specifically, call your local DMV during regular business hours. The phone number is on the website. Ask whether that particular office will be open on the second Monday in October. Write down the answer and the name of the person who told you — if you show up and find the door locked, you will know you have documentation of what you were told.

Do not rely on Google Maps or third-party sites for holiday hours. They are often outdated. The state DMV website is the only source that is current.

States and territories that recognize Columbus Day differently

Some states do not call it Columbus Day or do not observe it at all. South Dakota calls it Native American Day. Hawaii calls it Discoverers' Day. Alaska, Oregon, and Vermont have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. In these places, the DMV may still close on the second Monday in October, but under a different name — or it may stay open because the state does not recognize the day as a holiday.

A few states (Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of others) do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday for state employees, so DMVs may operate on a normal schedule. Again, your state DMV website will tell you what applies to your office.

What to do if your DMV is closed on Columbus Day

If you need to renew your registration and your local DMV is closed, check whether your state offers online renewal. Most states allow you to renew registration online if your vehicle has passed inspection, you have no outstanding violations, and your license plate is not expiring. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal. You will receive your new registration by mail within one to two weeks.

If online renewal is not an option for your situation, you can visit a different county DMV office if one is open. Some larger counties operate multiple locations with different hours. You can also visit the day before or the day after Columbus Day. If you are close to a registration important date, do not wait — the day after a holiday is typically very busy, and you may face a long wait.

Mail-in renewal is another option in many states. You will need to submit your current registration card, proof of inspection, and a check or money order. Processing takes longer than online renewal — usually three to four weeks — so use this method only if you have time before your important date.

Planning ahead to avoid Columbus Day closures

If you know your registration expires in October, renew it in early September or late August, before Columbus Day. This gives you a buffer if you encounter any problems and need to visit the DMV again. It also means you will not be competing with everyone else who waited until the last minute.

Set a phone reminder for two weeks before your registration expires. When the reminder goes off, check your state DMV website for holiday hours that month. If a holiday falls near your important date, plan your visit for a different week. This takes five minutes and eliminates the risk of showing up to a closed office.

What happens if you miss a registration important date because the DMV was closed

If the DMV was closed on the day your registration expired and you did not renew before that date, you are technically driving with an expired registration. This is a traffic violation in every state, though enforcement varies. You could be stopped and cited, and the fine ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state.

The good news: most states have a grace period of a few days to a week after expiration before the violation becomes enforceable. Check your state's rules. If you are within the grace period, renew when ready — online, by mail, or at the DMV — and keep proof of your renewal in the car. If you are past the grace period, renew as soon as possible and be aware that you could be cited if stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states allow online renewal if your vehicle passed inspection and you have no violations. Check your state DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. Online renewal usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive your new registration by mail within one to two weeks.

What if I need to do something other than renewal, like get a new license plate?

Services that require an in-person visit — new plates, address changes, title transfers — cannot be done online. If your DMV is closed on Columbus Day, visit the day before or after, or find a different county office that is open. Call ahead to confirm hours and what documents you need to bring.

Do all DMV offices in my state close on Columbus Day?

Not necessarily. Some states close all offices, while others keep certain locations open. Your state DMV website lists closures by individual office. Call your local office directly if the website is unclear.

What if I show up and the DMV is closed even though the website said it was open?

This is rare but can happen due to staffing emergencies. If it does, take a photo of the closed door with the date visible. Contact the DMV by phone or email and report what you found. Ask whether you are may be able to access for a grace period on your registration important date because of the unexpected closure.

Is there a way to know the Columbus Day date in advance?

Columbus Day is always the second Monday in October. In 2024, it falls on October 14. In 2025, it is October 13. You can mark it on your calendar now and plan your DMV visit around it.