Understanding DMV Closures on Veterans Day

What Is Veterans Day and Why DMVs Close

Veterans Day occurs on November 11 each year in the United States. This federal holiday honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The day recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of all veterans, regardless of when or where they served. On Veterans Day, many government offices, including Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations, close to allow employees to observe the holiday.

The closure of DMV offices on Veterans Day is a federal policy that applies across all 50 states, though some states may handle the timing slightly differently. When a federal holiday falls on a weekday, most DMV offices shut down completely. This means no in-person services are available—no license renewals, no vehicle registrations, no written tests, and no appointments can be conducted at physical DMV locations.

Understanding why these closures happen matters because it helps people plan ahead. The DMV serves millions of Americans each year, processing approximately 200 million transactions annually according to government records. These transactions include driver's license renewals, vehicle registration updates, commercial driver's license (CDL) testing, and title transfers. When offices close for federal holidays, these services temporarily stop.

The number of DMV closures varies by year. In 2024, Veterans Day falls on a Friday, which means many DMV offices will be closed on that date. In 2025, Veterans Day falls on a Friday as well. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday, which may mean some offices close on Friday, November 13, depending on state policies. Knowing this pattern helps people schedule their DMV visits around holidays.

Practical Takeaway: Mark November 11 on your calendar as a day when most DMV offices will be closed. Check your state's DMV website at least one week before the holiday to confirm which specific dates your local office will be closed and when they will reopen.

How to Find Out If Your Local DMV Is Closed

Finding out whether your specific DMV office will be closed on Veterans Day requires checking your state's official DMV website. Each state operates its own DMV system with slightly different procedures and closure policies. The best way to get accurate information is to visit your state's DMV official website directly. Most states list their holiday schedules prominently on the homepage or in a "Locations and Hours" section.

To locate your state's DMV website, search "[Your State] DMV" in any web browser. For example, searching "California DMV" or "Texas DMV" will take you to the official government website. Once there, look for sections titled "Office Hours," "Locations," "Holiday Schedule," or "Service Closures." Many states display a calendar showing when offices will be closed throughout the year. Some states even have interactive maps where you can enter your zip code to find your nearest office and see its specific hours.

You can also contact your local DMV office directly by phone to ask about Veterans Day hours. Most DMV phone numbers are listed on the state website. When you call, have your zip code ready so the staff member can tell you about your specific location. Some larger cities have multiple DMV offices, and they may have different hours. For instance, a downtown office might have different hours than a suburban location in the same city.

Additional methods to find closure information include checking your state's social media pages, which often post holiday schedules. Many DMV offices use Facebook or Twitter to announce closures and reminders. Some states also send email notifications if you sign up for alerts. You can also visit in person before the holiday to ask staff about the upcoming closure and to pick up any forms you might need while the office is still open.

Practical Takeaway: Visit your state's official DMV website today and bookmark the page that shows office hours and holiday schedules. Write down the specific dates your local office will be closed around Veterans Day, and note when it reopens. This takes just a few minutes but prevents confusion later.

Planning Your DMV Visit Before Veterans Day

Planning ahead is the most effective way to handle DMV closures. If you need to renew your license, register a vehicle, or handle other DMV business before Veterans Day, you should schedule your visit at least one to two weeks in advance. Many states now offer online appointment systems that let you book a specific time slot for your visit. Using these systems can reduce wait times dramatically—some states report wait time reductions of 30 to 60 minutes when customers use appointments.

Before scheduling your appointment, gather the documents you will need. Different transactions require different paperwork. For a driver's license renewal, you typically need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. For vehicle registration renewal, you need your registration notice, proof of insurance, and vehicle identification number (VIN). For title transfers, you need the signed title, bill of sale, and identification. Checking your state's website beforehand to see the exact document list prevents unnecessary trips.

The period immediately after a federal holiday often sees increased DMV traffic. This happens because people who couldn't visit during the closure rush to the DMV as soon as it reopens. If you can visit before the holiday closure instead of after, you may experience shorter wait times. For example, visiting on November 9 or 10 (the Friday and Monday before Veterans Day, depending on the day of the week) is often better than visiting on November 12, when many people will be making up for the missed day.

If you know you cannot visit before the holiday, consider using online services for transactions that don't require in-person visits. Many states offer online renewal for driver's licenses if you meet certain requirements, such as not having had a renewal in a certain number of years. Some states also allow online vehicle registration renewals. These options let you complete transactions without going to the DMV at all, eliminating concerns about holiday closures.

Practical Takeaway: If your license or vehicle registration expires between now and January 1, go to your state DMV website today and either book an appointment for before November 11 or research whether you can complete your renewal online instead.

Understanding Different State DMV Policies on Veterans Day

While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, different states handle closures in slightly different ways. Most states completely close all DMV offices on November 11 (or the nearest weekday if November 11 falls on a weekend). However, some states have developed their own approaches to minimize service disruptions for residents.

When Veterans Day falls on a Saturday, some states choose to close on Friday, November 10, while others remain open on Friday and only close on Saturday (and of course the DMV is closed on Sunday anyway in most states). When Veterans Day falls on a Sunday, some states close on the following Monday, November 12. A few states may handle this differently. Knowing your specific state's policy prevents confusion about which day to expect closures.

Some states now operate limited online services even during DMV closures. These might include the ability to renew a license, check the status of an application, or pay registration fees through the state website. While these online services don't replace in-person visits for all transactions, they allow people to handle certain urgent matters even when physical offices are closed. Check your state's website to learn what services remain available online during the Veterans Day closure.

A few states have pilot programs that open certain DMV services at partner locations, such as AAA offices, during federal holidays. These alternatives often handle specific transactions like license renewals or registration renewals but not all services. California, for instance, has expanded services at certain partner locations. Florida, Texas, and New York all have different approaches. If you live in a state with such programs, these alternatives may be worth investigating.

Practical Takeaway: Contact your state DMV or visit their website to learn the specific policy for Veterans Day closure dates in your state. Write down: (1) what date your local office closes, (2) what date it reopens, and (3) what services, if any, remain available online during the closure.

Alternative Ways to Handle DMV Business During Closures

When DMV offices are closed on Veterans Day, several alternatives may help you handle urgent DMV business. The most accessible option is using your state's online services. Most states now operate websites where you can renew licenses (if you meet renewal requirements), renew vehicle registration, pay vehicle taxes, or look up vehicle information. These services typically operate 24/7, meaning you can complete transactions at any time, even during DMV office closures.