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

Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 14, 2024. Most state DMVs observe it as a paid holiday and close their offices that day. However, a handful of states do not recognize Columbus Day at all — they observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, or they straightforward do not give DMV staff the day off. A few states close on Columbus Day but call it something else. The safest move is to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local office directly, because the rule varies by state and sometimes even by county.

If your state's DMV is closed on October 14, you have other options: online services, mail-in renewals, or scheduling an appointment for the day before or after. Many states let you renew registration or handle certain transactions without visiting an office at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close on Columbus Day (October 14, 2024), but some states do not recognize the holiday or observe it under a different name.
  • Your state DMV website or a phone call to your local office is the only reliable way to confirm whether your office will be open that day.
  • Many states offer online registration renewal, mail-in options, and appointment scheduling that do not require visiting an office on a holiday.
  • If you need service on October 14, plan ahead by scheduling an appointment for October 11 or October 15, or use your state's online portal if available.

States that close on Columbus Day

The majority of states treat Columbus Day as a state holiday and close their DMV offices. This includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 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, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Even within states that observe Columbus Day, some counties or regional offices may have different hours. A few DMV locations in larger cities sometimes stay open on state holidays, though this is uncommon. Your local office's website will list its specific holiday schedule.

States that do not close on Columbus Day

Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, and South Dakota do not observe Columbus Day as a paid holiday for state employees. This means their DMV offices may operate on a normal schedule on October 14, 2024. However, you should still verify with your local office, because some may choose to close anyway or may have reduced hours.

Hawaii observes Aloha Festivals Day instead. Alaska observes Alaska Day on October 18. Arizona, Idaho, and South Dakota straightforward do not recognize Columbus Day as a state holiday, so their DMVs typically remain open.

How to confirm your DMV's schedule

The fastest way to know whether your DMV will be open is to visit your state's official DMV website and look for a holiday schedule or hours page. Most states post their full-year holiday closures in advance. Search for "[your state] DMV holiday hours" or "[your state] DMV Columbus Day."

If the website does not clearly state the schedule, call your local DMV office directly. Have your county or region name ready. The phone number is usually on the DMV website. Ask specifically whether the office will be open on Monday, October 14, 2024, and what hours it will keep if it is open.

Online and mail-in options if your DMV is closed

Many states let you renew vehicle registration online without visiting an office. You typically need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. Some states also allow mail-in renewal — you send in your registration documents and a check, and the DMV mails your new registration back to you. Processing times vary, usually between one and four weeks.

Check your state DMV website for "online renewal" or "mail-in renewal" options. Not all transactions may have access to — title transfers, address changes, and new registrations often require an in-person visit. But if you only need to renew your registration, you may be able to do it without waiting for the office to reopen.

Scheduling an appointment before or after the holiday

If you need to visit the DMV in person, schedule an appointment for Friday, October 11, or Tuesday, October 15. Many states now require or strongly encourage appointments, and booking ahead means you will not waste time waiting in line. Some DMVs let you book appointments weeks in advance through their website.

If your appointment window is tight — for example, if your registration expires soon — book as soon as possible. October 11 and October 15 may fill up quickly because people are trying to avoid the holiday closure. If those dates are full, look at the following week or consider whether an online or mail-in option will work for your situation.

What to do if you need service on October 14

If you absolutely cannot visit the DMV before October 14 and your state's office is closed, your options depend on what you need. For registration renewal, use your state's online or mail-in system if available. For other services, contact the DMV by phone or email to ask whether you can schedule an appointment for the next business day or whether any services can be handled remotely.

Some states have mobile DMV units or satellite offices that may have different hours. Check your state DMV website for locations near you. A few states also partner with third-party vendors (like AAA or certain insurance agents) to handle routine transactions like registration renewal — these vendors may have different holiday schedules than the main DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my registration expire if the DMV is closed on Columbus Day?

No. A holiday closure does not extend your registration important date. However, if your registration expires on or shortly after October 14, renew it before the holiday using your state's online or mail-in option, or schedule an appointment for October 11 or earlier. Driving with an expired registration can result in a ticket.

Can I renew my registration online in all states?

Most states offer online renewal for routine registration renewals, but not all. Some states limit online renewal to vehicles with no outstanding violations or liens. Check your state DMV website to see whether your vehicle is may be able to access. If online renewal is not available, ask about mail-in options.

What if I need a new title or license on October 14?

These services typically require an in-person visit and cannot be done online or by mail. Schedule an appointment for October 11 or October 15. If neither date works, contact your DMV to ask whether any services can be expedited or handled remotely, though this is uncommon.

Do I need an appointment at the DMV on October 11 or 15?

Many states now require appointments, especially after the pandemic. Check your state DMV website to see whether appointments are required or recommended. If they are required and you cannot get one, ask whether walk-ins are accepted or whether you can schedule for a later date.

What if my state observes Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day?

Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed on the same date as Columbus Day (the second Monday in October). If your state recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, your DMV will likely still be closed on October 14, 2024. Check your state DMV website to confirm the specific holiday name and closure dates.