Every year, millions of Americans plan trips to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for essential tasks such as license renewals, vehicle registration, title transfers, and driving tests. With Presidents Day falling on Monday, February 16, 2026, many people are searching to find out is the dmv open on presidents day so they can avoid wasted trips and long delays.
Understanding holiday closures is especially important for anyone facing expiring licenses, upcoming road tests, or registration deadlines. Here is a complete, up-to-date guide to how Presidents Day affects DMV operations across the United States and what you should do to plan ahead.
Is the DMV Open on Presidents Day 2026?
In most states, the answer is no. Presidents Day is a recognized federal holiday, and many state governments also observe it. When a state observes the holiday, its government offices, including the DMV, are typically closed for the entire day.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, the majority of DMV locations across the country will suspend in-person services. This means no walk-ins, no driving tests, no counter service, and no on-site processing at most branches.
However, because DMVs operate under state authority, holiday observance can vary. A small number of states do not treat Presidents Day as an official state holiday. In those states, some DMV offices may remain open with regular hours, though individual branches can still choose to close.
Why DMV Offices Close on Presidents Day
There are two main reasons for widespread DMV closures on this holiday:
1. Federal Holiday Observance
Presidents Day is officially designated as Washington’s Birthday and is observed nationwide on the third Monday of February. Federal offices close, and many state agencies align their schedules with the federal calendar.
2. State Government Holiday Policies
Most state governments list Presidents Day on their annual holiday calendars. When a state holiday is declared, all departments, including transportation and motor vehicle agencies, typically shut down for the day.
Because of this, DMV closures on Presidents Day are standard practice in most parts of the country.
DMV Services Unavailable on Presidents Day
When DMV offices are closed, the following in-person services are usually unavailable:
- Driver’s license renewals and replacements
- Learner’s permit testing
- Road and skills tests
- Vehicle registration and plate issuance
- Title transfers
- Real ID processing
- Address changes requiring identity verification
- Cash and counter transactions
If you had an appointment scheduled for February 16, 2026, it will usually be automatically canceled or moved, depending on your state’s system.
What Services Are Still Available
Even when physical DMV offices are closed, many services remain accessible:
Online Transactions
Most state DMVs allow you to:
- Renew licenses and ID cards
- Renew vehicle registration
- Pay fees and fines
- Update addresses
- Request driving records
- Schedule future appointments
These online portals operate around the clock, including on federal holidays.
Self-Service Kiosks
Some states operate DMV kiosks in grocery stores or government buildings. While availability can vary on holidays, a few kiosks may still function for simple transactions like registration renewal.
States Where DMV Offices May Remain Open
A limited number of states do not officially observe Presidents Day as a state holiday. In those states, some DMV locations may operate on normal schedules. However, even in these areas, individual offices or counties may still close, and staffing levels may be reduced.
Because of this variation, it is always best to confirm directly with your local DMV before traveling.
How to Plan Around Presidents Day Closures
To avoid delays and long lines, follow these tips:
Schedule Before or After the Holiday
The Friday before and the Tuesday after Presidents Day are often very busy. Booking an appointment earlier in the week or later in the month can save time.
Use Online Services First
Many tasks no longer require an in-person visit. Completing them online can eliminate the need to wait for offices to reopen.
Check Local Holiday Schedules
Even within the same state, hours can vary by location. Always confirm your branch’s holiday hours before leaving home.
What Happens to Deadlines on Presidents Day
If a license or registration expiration date falls on Presidents Day, many states automatically extend the deadline to the next business day. However, policies differ, so it is wise to complete renewals early whenever possible.
Final Answer
So, is the dmv open on presidents day?
For most Americans, the answer is no. On Monday, February 16, 2026, the majority of DMV offices across the United States will be closed in observance of Presidents Day. A small number of states may keep some locations open, but closures are the norm.
Planning ahead, using online services, and scheduling appointments outside the holiday window can help you avoid delays and ensure your motor vehicle needs are handled smoothly.
Have you ever been caught by a holiday DMV closure? Share your experience or stay tuned for the latest updates on government service hours.