Most DMV offices close on Good Friday, but hours vary by state
Good Friday is a federal holiday, and most state DMV offices treat it the same way they treat other federal holidays: they close for the day. However, some states run skeleton crews or keep certain locations open, so you cannot assume your local office will be closed without checking first. The safest approach is to contact your specific DMV branch directly or check your state's DMV website before you plan a visit.
The closure applies to in-person services. If your state offers online registration renewal or mail-in options, those typically remain available on Good Friday since they do not require staff to be present. Some states also allow you to schedule appointments for the day after Good Friday if you need to complete registration work in person.
Key Takeaways
- Most state DMV offices close on Good Friday as a federal holiday, though a few states keep limited locations open.
- Contact your local DMV office directly or check your state's website to confirm hours before making a trip on Good Friday.
- Online registration renewal and mail-in services often remain available on Good Friday even when physical offices are closed.
- If you need in-person service, plan to visit the day before or after Good Friday, or schedule an appointment for the following business day if your state offers that option.
How to find your state's Good Friday DMV schedule
Each state DMV sets its own holiday schedule, so there is no single answer that covers all 50 states. Start by visiting your state's official DMV website and looking for a "Holiday Hours" or "Office Hours" page. Most states list which federal holidays trigger closures and which offices stay open.
If the website does not clearly state Good Friday hours, call your local DMV branch directly. Have your county or region name ready, since many states operate separate DMV offices in different areas and hours can differ. The phone number is usually on the state DMV website under "Contact Us."
A few states, including California and Texas, keep some DMV locations open on certain federal holidays, though not all branches participate. If you live in a state with multiple DMV offices, one location might be open while another is closed.
Online and mail-in options that work on Good Friday
If your registration renewal does not require an in-person visit, you can often complete it online or by mail on Good Friday without waiting for the DMV office to reopen. Most states allow you to renew registration online if your vehicle has a clean driving record, no outstanding violations, and no major changes to your vehicle information.
Check your state DMV website for the online renewal portal. You will typically need your current registration card, driver's license number, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can do it from home at any time, including holidays.
Mail-in renewal is slower but also available on Good Friday. Request a renewal form from your state DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with your current registration and payment. Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you use this method.
What to do if you need in-person service on or around Good Friday
If you need to handle registration in person — for example, to transfer a title, add a vehicle, or resolve a registration issue — plan your visit for Thursday before Good Friday or the Monday after. This avoids the holiday closure and also spreads out the workload, which often means shorter wait times.
Some states allow you to schedule an appointment online for a specific date and time. If your state offers this, book a slot for the day before or after Good Friday rather than trying to visit without an appointment. Appointment slots often fill up quickly around holidays, so reserve yours as soon as you know you need to visit.
If you cannot visit before or after Good Friday, check whether your state offers a mail-in option for your specific transaction. Not all services can be handled by mail, but title transfers and address changes often can be.
Planning ahead to avoid Good Friday closures
Registration renewal important date do not pause for holidays. If your registration expires on or shortly after Good Friday, do not wait until the last minute. Renew online or by mail at least one week before your important date, or visit the DMV office the week before Good Friday.
Check your registration card now to see when it expires. If the expiration date falls within two weeks of Good Friday, start the renewal process when ready. Most states charge a late fee if you renew after the expiration date, so the cost of planning ahead is much lower than the cost of missing the important date.
If you are unsure whether your state's DMV will be open on Good Friday, assume it will be closed and plan accordingly. A quick phone call to your local office takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration online on Good Friday?
Yes, if your state offers online renewal and you meet the requirements (clean record, no major changes to vehicle info). Online renewal works 24/7, including holidays. Check your state DMV website to see if you are may be able to access and to access the renewal portal.
What if my registration expires on Good Friday?
Renew before Good Friday to avoid a late fee. Use online renewal or mail-in if available, or visit the DMV the day before. Do not wait until Good Friday itself, since the office will be closed and you will miss your important date.
Are all DMV offices in my state closed on Good Friday?
Most are, but some states keep certain locations open. Call your specific local DMV office or check your state's website to confirm. Do not assume all offices are closed based on one location's hours.
Can I schedule a DMV appointment for Good Friday?
Probably not, since most offices are closed. If your state offers online appointment scheduling, you will likely see that Good Friday is unavailable. Book for Thursday or the following Monday instead.