Every year, the third Monday of January brings communities together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on the civil rights movement. But for Americans planning errands or expecting mail around this holiday, one key question often arises: is the post office open on MLK Day? With the 2026 observance falling on Monday, January 19, postal operations will shift, and it’s important to know exactly what to expect from the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers.
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Federal Holiday Meaning and Operational Impact
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is designated as a federal holiday in the United States, observed annually on the third Monday of January. This national recognition means that many government-related organizations pause regular operations for the day. A key example is the U.S. Postal Service, which aligns its schedule with federal holiday observances.
For individuals planning errands, shipments, or expecting mail deliveries, the holiday affects regular services and requires adjusted scheduling. It’s not just post offices that close; banks, federal offices, and financial markets also pause operations in observance.
Postal Services on MLK Day: What Happens
On January 19, 2026, all traditional postal facilities across the United States will close for the holiday. This closure includes retail counters, customer service desks, and standard mail delivery. Thus, people should not expect regular postal services to function on that day.
Retail Locations Closed
Postal retail counters at physical post office locations will not be open to the public. That means customers cannot drop off packages that require clerk assistance, purchase postage in person, or access services like passport processing, PO box management, or general mail support at those branches.
Mail Delivery Suspended
Regular delivery of letters, packages, and standard mail classes will be suspended for the day. Mail carriers will not run delivery routes, and mail that would normally arrive on Monday will be postponed until the next business day. This pause applies to residential and business delivery alike.
While main carrier services take the day off, there is one exception for time-sensitive shipments.
Priority Mail Express Continues Operating
Although most postal operations pause, Priority Mail Express service will still run on MLK Day. This guaranteed overnight delivery option operates every day of the year, including holidays. For customers who need urgent delivery with a money-back guarantee, Priority Mail Express remains a functional option even when standard services are on hold.
This service is the only regular delivery class that keeps operating during postal holidays, offering a lifeline for critical shipments when other options are unavailable.
Self-Service Options Still Available
Even though post office buildings are closed for the holiday, many locations offer self-service kiosks in their lobbies. These automated machines allow users to complete a variety of tasks without staff assistance, including:
- Purchasing postage
- Weighing and mailing packages
- Printing shipping labels
- Sending Priority or Priority Mail Express packages
These kiosks usually accept debit and credit cards and can be used whenever the post office location is accessible, including on holidays. They are especially useful for customers who need postal services without waiting until regular business hours resume.
Collection Boxes and Online Tools
Blue USPS collection boxes remain in place on MLK Day, but the mail deposited in them will not be collected until the next business day. This means even if you drop a letter or small package into a collection box, it will not begin processing until Tuesday.
Meanwhile, online postal tools remain fully operational. Customers can use internet services to:
- Buy postage and shipping supplies
- Schedule future pickups
- Track packages
- Manage mail preferences
These online options provide flexibility even when physical locations are closed.
Other Delivery Companies on MLK Day
While the U.S. Postal Service pauses regular operations, other carriers have their own holiday schedules that may differ.
FedEx
FedEx operations are modified for the holiday, with many services adjusted or reduced. Some FedEx facilities remain open with limited capabilities, and specific shipping options like freight or custom critical services may continue to operate. Drop-box pickups and early on-call pickups may also be available in certain areas.
UPS
UPS generally does not offer standard pickup or delivery on MLK Day. However, its most urgent service, Express Critical, is still available for time-sensitive shipments. Some UPS Store locations may independently choose to open, but hours and services can vary by location.
Private Couriers and Retail Delivery
Other private couriers and e-commerce services—such as same-day delivery options through major online retailers—often operate independently of federal holiday schedules. In many cases, package deliveries from these services continue on MLK Day, though times and availability may vary.
Wider Holiday Business and Services Closures
Martin Luther King Jr. Day brings broader closures and schedule changes in many sectors:
Banks and Financial Markets
Physical bank branches across the country close on MLK Day. While ATMs and mobile banking services remain available, in-person banking transactions are suspended. U.S. stock and bond markets also observe the holiday, halting trading until the next business day.
Government Offices and Institutions
Federal, state, and local government offices typically cease normal operations. This includes many public services such as motor vehicle departments, regulatory agencies, and administrative offices.
Schools and Public Libraries
Many schools and public libraries are closed for the day, though some educational institutions may hold special events to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy.
Retail, Restaurants, and Essential Services
Private businesses such as retail stores, grocery chains, pharmacies, and restaurants generally remain open. Some stores even promote holiday-themed sales or extended weekend deals.
Planning Ahead to Avoid Delays
Because regular postal services pause on MLK Day, it’s wise to plan ahead, especially for time-sensitive needs. Here are some tips for managing mail and shipments around the holiday:
- Send time-critical mail before the weekend to ensure it reaches its destination on schedule.
- Use Priority Mail Express for urgent deliveries that cannot wait.
- Take advantage of self-service kiosks if you must send something on MLK Day itself.
- Schedule deliveries or pickups online for the next business day to streamline service resumption.
- Inform customers, clients, or recipients that standard mail delivery will be delayed.
Understanding these adjustments allows individuals and businesses to avoid unnecessary delays and plan more effectively around holiday closures.
Resume of Operations After MLK Day
Postal services return to regular hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This includes:
- Standard retail counter service
- Regular mail and package delivery
- PO box access and caller services
- Full customer support
Mail and packages that piled up over the holiday will be processed and delivered beginning Tuesday, with priority given based on service class and destination.
Quick Reference: MLK Day Postal Services at a Glance
| Service Type | Operation on January 19, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Standard Post Office Counters | Closed |
| Regular Mail Delivery | Suspended |
| Priority Mail Express | Operating |
| Self-Service Kiosks | Available at many locations |
| USPS Collection Boxes | Accessible, not collected |
| FedEx Services | Modified operations |
| UPS Delivery | Mostly suspended |
| Online Postal Services | Fully available |
These key points summarize how postal and delivery services function during the holiday.
