Most DMVs are closed on Memorial Day, but some states and locations stay open

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. Most state DMVs treat it as a federal holiday and close their offices entirely on that day. However, a handful of states keep some locations open with reduced hours, and a few allow online or appointment-based services to continue. Your best move is to check your specific state's DMV website or call your local office directly—holiday schedules vary widely and can change year to year.

If you need to renew your registration or handle other DMV business around Memorial Day, planning ahead matters. Waiting until the last minute can leave you stuck with an expired registration and no way to complete the transaction until the office reopens.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMVs close entirely on Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, with no in-person services available.
  • A few states operate limited hours or allow online transactions to continue, so check your state DMV's holiday schedule before assuming closure.
  • Calling your local DMV office or visiting its website is the fastest way to confirm whether your location is open or closed on Memorial Day.
  • If your registration expires on or near Memorial Day, renew it at least one week before the holiday to avoid driving with an expired tag.

Which states keep DMV services running on Memorial Day

Most states follow the federal holiday calendar and close all DMV offices on Memorial Day. However, some states operate differently. California, for example, keeps some DMV locations open on certain holidays, though hours are typically reduced. Texas allows online vehicle registration renewal to continue even when offices are closed. New York has some locations that remain open with modified schedules.

The pattern is not consistent across the country. Even within a single state, some regional offices may stay open while others close. Your county or city DMV may have different hours than the state office. The only reliable way to know is to contact your specific location directly—do not assume based on what happened last year or what you heard from someone in another state.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Memorial Day

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Most states post their holiday schedule prominently on the homepage or in a "Hours and Locations" section. Look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Office Closures," or "Holidays." The schedule usually covers the entire year, so you can see Memorial Day listed alongside other federal holidays.

If the website does not clearly state the holiday schedule, call your local DMV office directly. Have your county or city name ready. The phone line will tell you whether that specific location is open on Memorial Day and what hours explore. Many DMVs also offer online chat support during business hours if you prefer not to call.

Do this at least two weeks before Memorial Day if you have a registration renewal coming due around that time. Do not wait until the day before the holiday—you may not reach anyone, and you will have no time to complete your renewal before the important date.

What to do if your registration expires on or near Memorial Day

If your registration renewal is due on Memorial Day itself or within a few days after, renew it before the holiday. Most states allow you to renew your registration up to 30 days before the expiration date, so you have a window to get ahead of the closure. Visit your DMV office or use the online renewal system (if your state offers it) at least one week before Memorial Day.

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in every state, even if the expiration happened because the DMV was closed. A police officer will not accept "the DMV was closed on the holiday" as a reason. You are responsible for planning around the closure and renewing before the important date passes.

If you miss the important date and your registration expires on Memorial Day, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew it. Once the DMV reopens the day after the holiday, go in person or renew online as soon as possible. Some states allow a grace period of a few days, but do not count on it—check your state's rules.

Online and appointment-based options during the holiday

Many states now offer online registration renewal, which does not depend on DMV office hours. If your state has this system, you can renew your registration on Memorial Day itself, even though the physical office is closed. Check your state DMV website for an "Online Services" or "Renew Online" section. You will typically need your current registration card, driver's license number, and a valid payment method.

Some states also allow you to schedule an appointment for a specific date and time. If you book an appointment before Memorial Day, you may be able to keep it if your state operates on a limited schedule that day. Call ahead to confirm whether appointments are honored on the holiday or if they are automatically rescheduled to the next business day.

Not all states offer these options, and not all transactions can be completed online. Vehicle registration renewal is usually available online, but other services like title transfers, address changes, or duplicate licenses may require an in-person visit. Check what your state allows before assuming you can handle everything remotely.

Planning ahead to avoid Memorial Day closures

The simplest approach is to renew your registration well before Memorial Day arrives. If your expiration date falls in May or early June, renew in April. This removes the holiday from the equation entirely and gives you a buffer in case you encounter any issues with your renewal.

Mark your registration expiration date on a calendar three months in advance. Set a reminder on your phone for one month before the expiration date. This gives you time to research your state's renewal process, gather any documents you need, and complete the transaction without rushing. If you wait until the week before Memorial Day, you are gambling that your DMV will be open and that you will not encounter any delays.

If you travel frequently or live in a state with long DMV wait times, plan even further ahead. Some offices book appointments weeks in advance, especially around holidays. Waiting until the last minute can mean no available appointments until after your registration expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your state. Many states allow online registration renewal 24/7, regardless of office closures. Check your state DMV website for an online renewal option. If your state offers it, you can renew on Memorial Day itself. If your state does not have online renewal, you will need to wait until the office reopens.

What happens if my registration expires on Memorial Day?

You cannot legally drive the vehicle on or after the expiration date, even if the DMV is closed. Renew your registration before Memorial Day arrives. Once the DMV reopens, you can renew when ready, but you cannot drive until the renewal is complete.

Do all DMV locations in my state close on Memorial Day?

Not necessarily. Some states keep certain locations open with reduced hours while others close completely. Call your specific local DMV office or check the holiday schedule on your state's website. Do not assume all locations have the same hours.

Can I schedule a DMV appointment on Memorial Day?

Most states do not allow appointments on federal holidays, but some may honor appointments scheduled before the holiday. Call your local DMV to ask whether appointments are available or rescheduled on Memorial Day. Do not rely on an appointment without confirming first.

How far in advance can I renew my registration before the expiration date?

Most states allow renewal up to 30 days before expiration, though some allow 60 days. Check your state DMV website for the exact window. This gives you plenty of time to renew before Memorial Day if your expiration is near the holiday.