Is there mail on Presidents Day is one of the most asked questions each year as Americans prepare for this federal holiday. In 2026, Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 16, and it affects mail delivery and post office operations across the United States. Here’s the full, up-to-date picture of what happens with USPS and other carriers on this important day.
What Presidents Day Means for U.S. Mail Delivery
Presidents Day is a federal holiday officially recognized by the U.S. government as Washington’s Birthday, but most Americans know it as a day to honor all U.S. presidents. Because it’s a federal holiday, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will suspend regular mail delivery and close all post office retail locations on February 16, 2026. Normal operations — including mail and package delivery — resume on Tuesday, February 17.
This means:
- There will be no standard mail delivery or pickup on Presidents Day.
- Post offices will be closed for retail and in-person services.
- USPS mail carriers will not deliver first-class letters, flats, or standard packages.
- Priority Mail Express may have self-service options, but in most cases standard delivery does not occur on the holiday.
Customers can still use online USPS tools to print postage, schedule shipments, and check mail items, but nothing will be physically delivered to homes or businesses on Presidents Day.
Why the USPS Closes on Presidents Day
As a federal holiday, Presidents Day appears on the USPS holiday schedule, and all postal employees observe the day off. The USPS consistently lists Presidents Day — along with other federal holidays — as days when standard mail delivery is paused.
These closures are part of the USPS’s long-standing holiday calendar, which includes 11 federal holidays throughout the year when post offices are typically closed and mail isn’t delivered.
Mailbox Impact: What Residents Should Expect
No Mail on Presidents Day
If your mailbox normally gets letters or packages delivered on weekdays, you’ll notice no USPS mail on February 16, 2026. Carriers simply don’t operate on federal holidays, and letter and package deliveries are paused until the next business day.
PO Box Services on the Holiday
Post Office Box access at staffed locations will also be paused. However, some self-service kiosks and after-hours lobbies at select post offices may still allow basic tasks like purchasing stamps, weighing packages, and printing postage.
What About Other Delivery Services?
USPS isn’t the only carrier in the U.S., and you might be wondering how FedEx and UPS handle Presidents Day:
- FedEx generally offers modified services on Presidents Day. Some ground, express, or freight services may still operate, but hours and schedules can vary.
- UPS typically maintains pickup and delivery operations, but certain services tied to USPS or ground logistics may move out a day due to the USPS holiday.
- Private carriers or local couriers may operate normally, depending on their individual holiday schedules.
These options can be useful if you need express delivery or especially urgent shipments on a federal holiday.
How to Plan Your Mail Around Presidents Day
To avoid delays or surprises:
- Send time-sensitive mail early. If you need an important letter or package delivered before the holiday, mail it several days before Presidents Day.
- Check delivery dates. Online shipping tools often let you see expected delivery windows that skip Presidents Day.
- Use online USPS services. You can still buy postage, create labels, and arrange shipments online even when the post office is closed.
- Consider alternate carriers like UPS or FedEx if delivery on Presidents Day matters.
Other Presidents Day Closures That Affect Mail and Government Services
Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday, several operations beyond mail delivery are impacted:
Government offices: Federal, state, and local government agencies typically close for the day.
Banking: Most brick-and-mortar bank branches are closed, although ATMs and online banking services remain available.
Financial markets: Major U.S. stock and bond markets — including the NYSE and Nasdaq — close for the holiday.
Schools: Many public school districts close, though schedules vary by region.
Despite these closures, many retail stores, pharmacies, and restaurants remain open.
Historical Context: Why Mail Stops on Presidents Day
In the U.S., federal holidays often come with a long tradition of service pauses. The Postal Service treats Presidents Day as a recognized postal holiday, which means that standard mail delivery is not scheduled. While the name stems from honoring George Washington’s birthday, the holiday’s observance today reflects a broader celebration of U.S. presidents — and a day when federal services pause, including mail delivery.
Whether you’re sending letters to family or managing business shipping, Presidents Day 2026 has clear implications for your mail schedule.
Bottom Line: Mail on Presidents Day? Not from USPS
Again, here’s the core takeaway:
- United States Postal Service will not deliver mail on Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, 2026.
- Post offices will be closed.
- Regular delivery and service resume Tuesday, February 17.
We’d love to hear from you — share your questions or experiences about mail delivery on holidays below!