Is USPS Open on presidents day is a question many Americans ask each February, and the confirmed answer remains no under current federal operations.
As of today, the United States Postal Service fully observes Presidents Day as a federal holiday. On Monday, February 16, 2026, USPS post offices are closed nationwide, and regular mail delivery is suspended. This schedule reflects long-standing postal policy and has not changed.
Confirmed USPS Operating Status
USPS does not provide standard services on Presidents Day.
The holiday is officially recognized by the federal government, and USPS follows the same closure schedule as other federal agencies. There are no exceptions for regular letter mail or standard package delivery.
This applies uniformly across all U.S. states and territories.
Why Presidents Day Affects USPS Operations
USPS operates as an independent agency of the federal government.
Presidents Day, formally recognized as Washington’s Birthday, is one of the federal holidays observed by USPS each year. On these holidays, most postal operations pause to align with federal schedules.
This policy has remained consistent for decades.
Mail Delivery Services That Do Not Run
On Presidents Day, USPS suspends several core services.
These include:
- First-Class Mail delivery
- USPS Marketing Mail delivery
- Periodicals delivery
- USPS Ground Advantage packages
Mail already in the system remains secure and resumes movement once operations restart.
Post Office Retail Locations
All USPS retail post offices close on Presidents Day.
Customers cannot access:
- Counter services
- Postage purchases at the counter
- In-person package drop-offs
- Passport acceptance services
Retail operations resume the next business day without changes.
Lobby Access and P.O. Boxes
Some USPS locations keep lobby areas open for P.O. box access.
This varies by location and depends on local security policies. Even when lobbies remain accessible, mail is not processed or collected on the holiday.
Items deposited wait until service resumes.
Priority Mail Express: The Limited Exception
Priority Mail Express is the only USPS service that may operate on Presidents Day.
This service offers:
- Limited holiday delivery
- Additional fees
- Location-based availability
Not all ZIP codes qualify for holiday delivery. Customers must confirm availability in advance.
Package Tracking and Processing Delays
USPS package tracking remains accessible online.
However, tracking updates may pause during the holiday since packages are not scanned or moved through processing facilities. Updates typically resume the next business day.
A one-day delay is standard following the holiday.
What Happens to Mail Collected Before the Holiday
Mail collected before Presidents Day stays within USPS facilities.
Processing and sorting resume once employees return to work. Delivery occurs as routes reopen, often with slightly higher volume.
USPS prioritizes time-sensitive mail once operations restart.
When Normal Service Resumes
USPS resumes full operations the day after Presidents Day.
For the 2026 observance, normal service returns on Tuesday, February 17. This includes retail counters, mail delivery, and package services.
Customers may notice heavier delivery volume that day.
Online USPS Services Remain Available
Even though physical locations close, USPS online tools continue to function.
Customers can still:
- Track packages
- Print shipping labels
- Schedule redelivery
- Request package holds
These services operate without interruption.
Blue Collection Boxes and Self-Service Kiosks
Blue USPS collection boxes remain available.
Mail deposited on Presidents Day is not picked up until the next business day. The same applies to self-service kiosks located inside post office lobbies.
Processing begins once USPS reopens.
USPS Employee Scheduling on Presidents Day
Presidents Day is a paid federal holiday for USPS employees.
Most carriers do not run delivery routes. Limited staff support essential functions such as Priority Mail Express and facility security.
This staffing model applies nationwide.
Comparison With Other Closed Services
Presidents Day results in widespread closures.
On the holiday:
- Federal offices are closed
- Banks are closed
- Stock markets are closed
- USPS suspends regular service
Many private retailers remain open, which often causes confusion.
Common Misunderstandings About USPS on Presidents Day
Some customers expect USPS to operate because private delivery companies may still run.
However, USPS follows federal holiday rules, not private-sector schedules. This distinction leads to confusion every year.
Understanding USPS’s federal status helps clarify expectations.
Does USPS Ever Deliver Regular Mail on This Holiday?
Outside of Priority Mail Express, USPS does not deliver on Presidents Day.
There are no pilot programs, regional exceptions, or temporary policy changes in effect.
The closure applies to all regular services.
Impact on Business and Bulk Mail
Businesses that rely on USPS must plan around the holiday.
Bulk mail processing pauses entirely. Statements, invoices, and notices should be mailed early to avoid delays.
Mail volume increases immediately after the holiday.
Presidents Day Within the USPS Holiday Calendar
USPS observes several federal holidays each year.
Presidents Day consistently appears on the postal holiday calendar. There have been no announcements suggesting removal or rescheduling.
Future observances are expected to follow the same pattern.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Missing a USPS holiday can cause missed deadlines.
Legal notices, payments, and personal mail can all be affected. Knowing closure dates helps individuals and businesses stay on track.
Advance planning avoids unnecessary delays.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Service Area | Status on Presidents Day |
|---|---|
| Retail post offices | Closed |
| Regular mail delivery | Not available |
| Standard packages | Not delivered |
| Priority Mail Express | Limited delivery |
| Online services | Available |
| Blue collection boxes | Pickup delayed |
Does the Holiday Name Affect USPS Services?
The name does not change USPS operations.
Whether called Presidents Day or Washington’s Birthday, USPS follows the federal designation. Service availability remains the same regardless of naming conventions.
After-the-Holiday Mail Volume
The day following Presidents Day is typically busy.
Carriers handle accumulated mail, and delivery routes may take longer. USPS works to normalize schedules quickly.
Most delays resolve within one business day.
What Customers Should Do
To reduce disruption:
- Mail items early the week before
- Avoid expecting delivery on the holiday
- Use Priority Mail Express only if necessary
- Track items online for updates
Preparation makes the closure manageable.
Final Clarification for USPS Customers
There is no uncertainty regarding USPS operations on Presidents Day.
Post offices close, and regular mail delivery pauses nationwide. This policy remains fully in effect for the current year.
Understanding this schedule helps customers plan with confidence.
Did the USPS holiday closure affect your plans this year? Share your experience and stay updated on upcoming service schedules.