With federal holidays often changing the operating hours of government offices, many Americans are asking the same important question ahead of the long weekend: is the dmv open on presidents day in 2026? Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 16, and for anyone planning to renew a license, register a vehicle, take a road test, or handle title paperwork, knowing whether offices are open can prevent wasted trips and missed deadlines.
Presidents Day is observed nationwide and honors the legacy of U.S. presidents, with special recognition of George Washington. Because it is a federal holiday, many state and local government agencies adjust their schedules. The Department of Motor Vehicles, which operates under state authority, usually follows these holiday calendars, meaning closures are common across the country.
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How Presidents Day Affects DMV Operations
In most U.S. states, DMV offices close completely on Presidents Day. This includes driver licensing centers, vehicle registration offices, and testing facilities. When a state observes the holiday, all in-person services are typically suspended for the entire day.
While policies differ slightly from state to state, the general pattern remains the same: if state offices close, the DMV closes with them. This means counters are shut, phone support may be limited, and scheduled road tests or appointments are usually postponed.
However, a small number of states do not officially observe Presidents Day as a state holiday. In those locations, some DMV branches may remain open with normal hours. Even in these states, individual offices or counties may still close or operate with reduced staffing, so local verification is always important.
Why the DMV Follows Federal and State Holiday Calendars
The DMV is considered an essential public service, but it is still part of state government. When a holiday is formally recognized, state employees are granted the day off, and most government facilities close. Presidents Day is included in the official holiday calendar for many states, which explains why DMV closures are so widespread.
Another reason is system coordination. Many DMV services rely on interconnected state and federal databases. When those systems run with reduced staffing on holidays, in-person operations are often paused to maintain accuracy and security.
Services That Will Not Be Available In Person
On Presidents Day 2026, most DMV locations that are closed will not provide the following services:
- Driver’s license renewals or replacements
- Learner’s permit applications and knowledge tests
- Road and skills tests
- Vehicle registration and plate issuance
- Title transfers and lien processing
- Real ID verification
- Address changes requiring document review
- Payment of fees at service counters
Appointments scheduled for the holiday are usually canceled automatically and must be rescheduled for the next available business day.
Online Services That Remain Available
Even when physical offices are closed, digital DMV services continue to operate. Most states now offer comprehensive online platforms that allow drivers to complete many tasks without visiting a branch.
Common online services include:
- License and ID renewals
- Vehicle registration renewal
- Replacement of lost or damaged cards
- Address updates
- Payment of fines and fees
- Appointment scheduling
- Access to driving records
These systems typically run 24 hours a day, including on holidays, making them the best option for time-sensitive needs.
Self-Service Kiosks and Partner Locations
Some states operate self-service kiosks in supermarkets, malls, or government buildings. These machines can process basic transactions such as registration renewal and sticker printing. Availability on holidays depends on the host location’s hours, but in some cases, kiosks may still function even when DMV offices are closed.
In a few regions, authorized third-party providers handle limited DMV services. Their holiday schedules may differ from state-run offices, although many still close on federal holidays.
States Where Closures Are Most Common
In states that officially observe Presidents Day, DMV closures are standard. This includes large states with heavy DMV traffic, where all branches typically follow the same holiday schedule. In these areas, drivers should assume offices are closed unless their local branch specifically announces otherwise.
In states that do not list Presidents Day as a state holiday, DMV offices may remain open, but reduced staffing or modified hours are still possible. Local announcements and online appointment systems usually reflect these changes.
Planning Your DMV Visit Around Presidents Day
To avoid delays and long waits, drivers should plan ahead:
Schedule Early:
The days immediately before and after Presidents Day are often among the busiest of the month. Booking an appointment well in advance can save hours of waiting.
Use Online Tools:
Many transactions no longer require an in-person visit. Completing them online can eliminate the need to wait for offices to reopen.
Confirm Local Hours:
Even within the same state, operating hours can differ by county or city. Checking your specific branch’s holiday calendar is the safest approach.
Prepare Documents in Advance:
If you need to visit after the holiday, having all paperwork ready can help you move through the process quickly.
What Happens to Deadlines That Fall on the Holiday
When a license, registration, or permit expiration date falls on a federal holiday, many states extend the deadline to the next business day. This means a document expiring on Presidents Day may remain valid through Tuesday, February 17, 2026. However, extension policies vary, and some states still require renewal before the holiday.
For this reason, it is always safer to complete renewals early rather than relying on automatic grace periods.
Travel and Identity Considerations
With Real ID requirements and air travel regulations becoming stricter, many drivers use early-year months to update identification. A holiday closure can affect travel plans if a license or ID is close to expiration. Checking DMV schedules well in advance helps prevent last-minute issues before flights or major trips.
The Bottom Line for Drivers
So, for those still asking later in the season, the clear answer remains: is the dmv open on presidents day in 2026? In most states, DMV offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of the federal holiday. A small number of states may keep select locations open, but closures are the rule rather than the exception.
Understanding these schedules allows drivers to plan renewals, tests, and registrations without unnecessary stress. With online services, kiosks, and advance appointments, most needs can still be handled smoothly around the holiday.
Share your experience with holiday DMV visits or stay connected for more updates on government office schedules and travel planning.
