Most DMV offices close on Veterans Day, but some states keep limited locations open

Veterans Day falls on November 11 each year, and most state DMV offices treat it as a federal holiday — meaning they close for the day. However, the specifics depend on which state you're in and whether your local DMV is run by the state, county, or a combination. Some states operate a handful of locations on a reduced schedule, while others shut down completely. A few states have moved to online-only services for certain transactions, which may still be available even when physical offices are closed.

The safest approach is to contact your specific DMV office directly or check your state's DMV website before Veterans Day to confirm whether it will be open. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip. If your office is closed, you can usually reschedule your appointment for the next business day or handle your transaction online if your state offers that option.

Key Takeaways

  • Most state DMV offices close on Veterans Day as a federal holiday, though a small number of states operate select locations on a limited schedule.
  • Your state's DMV website or a direct phone call to your local office is the only reliable way to confirm whether it will be open on November 11.
  • If your office is closed, you can often reschedule your appointment for the next business day or complete your transaction online if your state supports it.
  • Some states allow you to renew vehicle registration, pay fees, or request documents through their website regardless of office closures.

How to learn about your DMV is open on Veterans Day

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website and looking for a holiday schedule or office hours page. Most states publish this information in advance, sometimes as early as September or October. Search for "DMV hours Veterans Day" or "DMV holiday schedule" along with your state name.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office directly. Have your office location name or number ready — many states have multiple regional offices with different hours. The phone line may have a recorded message about holiday closures, or you can speak to staff who can tell you whether your specific location will be open and whether you need to reschedule an appointment.

If you have an appointment scheduled for Veterans Day, the DMV will typically send you a notice or email letting you know it has been rescheduled. Check your email and any mail from the DMV in the weeks before the holiday.

States that operate limited DMV services on Veterans Day

A small number of states keep certain DMV locations open on Veterans Day or offer online services that remain available. These vary year to year and by location, so you cannot assume your office will be open just because another office in your state is.

California, for example, sometimes keeps select DMV offices open on Veterans Day, though most close. Texas operates some locations on a reduced schedule in certain areas. New York typically closes all DMV offices but allows many transactions to be completed online through its website.

The only way to know whether your state or local office is one of these exceptions is to check directly with your DMV. Do not rely on information from another state or assume that because one location is open, yours will be too.

What you can do online instead of visiting in person

Many states allow you to renew your vehicle registration, pay registration fees, or request documents online without visiting a DMV office. These services are typically available 24/7, including on Veterans Day. Check your state's DMV website for an online services portal or "renew online" option.

Common transactions you may be able to complete online include vehicle registration renewal, address changes, duplicate registration documents, and payment of certain fees. You will usually need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and a valid payment method.

Not all transactions can be done online — for example, most states require you to visit in person for a new driver's license, a first-time vehicle registration, or a title transfer. If your transaction cannot be done online, you will need to wait until your DMV reopens after the holiday.

Planning ahead to avoid Veterans Day closures

If you need to handle a DMV transaction, plan to visit before November 11 or after November 12. Many people wait until the last minute to renew registration or licenses, so the days when ready after a holiday closure can be busy. If possible, schedule your visit for a weekday that is not near a holiday.

If your registration or license expires on or near Veterans Day, do not wait until that day. Renew online if your state offers it, or visit your DMV office in the days before the holiday. Driving with an expired registration or license can result in a ticket, even if the expiration date fell on a day when the DMV was closed.

Mark Veterans Day on your calendar now if you have an appointment or transaction coming up. This gives you time to confirm your DMV's hours and reschedule if needed.

What to do if you have an appointment on Veterans Day

If you have an appointment scheduled for November 11, the DMV will usually notify you in advance that it has been rescheduled. Check your email, text messages, and any mail from the DMV. If you do not receive a notice, call your local office to confirm whether your appointment is still scheduled or has been moved.

Do not show up to your appointment on Veterans Day if you have not heard otherwise. Even if the office is open, your appointment slot may have been reassigned. Calling ahead prevents a wasted trip and ensures you get a new appointment time that works for you.

If you need to reschedule your appointment yourself, most states allow you to do this through their online appointment system or by calling the office directly. Some states also allow you to cancel and rebook through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all DMV offices closed on Veterans Day?

Most are, but not all. The majority of state DMV offices close on Veterans Day as a federal holiday. However, some states operate select locations on a limited schedule, and a few offer online services that remain available. Contact your specific local office to confirm.

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

Many states allow online registration renewal 24/7, including on holidays. Check your state's DMV website for an online renewal option. If your state does not offer this service, you will need to wait until the office reopens.

What happens if my registration expires on Veterans Day?

Renew before November 11 if possible, either online or by visiting the DMV in advance. Driving with an expired registration is illegal, even if the expiration date fell on a holiday when the DMV was closed. Plan ahead to avoid this situation.

How do I learn about my local DMV office is open on Veterans Day?

Check your state's official DMV website for a holiday schedule, or call your local office directly. Have your office location name or number ready. This is the only reliable way to confirm hours for your specific location.

Will the DMV reschedule my appointment if it falls on Veterans Day?

Usually yes — the DMV will typically send you a notice by email or mail if your appointment has been rescheduled. If you do not receive a notice, call your local office to confirm. Do not assume your appointment is still scheduled for that day.