Holiday & Christmas 2025 Helpful FAQs for Traveling

DMV offices across the country are entering their busiest and most restricted service window of the year. Because Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on Thursdays this season, many states have implemented extended “bridge” closures that affect road tests and renewals.

Below are the most frequent questions regarding DMV services for the 2025 holiday season.

Common Questions & Answers

1. When are DMV offices closed this week and next?

Most state DMV offices (such as those in New York, Georgia, and North Carolina) will follow these schedules:

• Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Closed or closing early at noon in most states).
• Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025 (Closed nationwide).
• Day After Christmas: Friday, December 26, 2025 (Many states, including North Carolina and Georgia, are Closed to give employees a holiday weekend).
• New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026 (Closed nationwide).

2. My license expires on December 25th or January 1st. What do I do?

If your driver’s license or vehicle registration expires on a day the DMV is closed, you are typically granted an automatic extension until the end of the next business day. However, to avoid any issues with law enforcement or insurance, it is highly recommended to renew online immediately, as digital portals remain open 24/7.

3. Will my road test be canceled if it snows or if the office is closed?

Yes. Many states (like New York) have already begun rescheduling road tests that were set for December 23rd through December 26th due to holiday schedules and potential inclement weather. If your test is canceled by the DMV, you are usually moved to the next available date (often in early January) automatically. You should check your state’s “Cancellations and Closures” page before heading out.

4. Can I use a DMV kiosk if the main office is closed?

Yes. Many states now have self-service kiosks located in grocery stores or outside DMV offices that allow you to renew your registration and print your tabs/decals instantly. These remain functional even when the main office staff is off for the holidays.

5. I just bought a car; how long do I have to register it with the holidays?

Most states require you to register a private vehicle sale within 7 to 30 days. Holiday closures do not usually “pause” this clock, but if your final day falls on a holiday (Dec 25 or Jan 1), you will have until the following business day to complete the paperwork without a late fee.

2025 Holiday “Pro-Tips”

• The “Tuesday” Rush: Today (Dec 23) and next Tuesday (Dec 30) are traditionally the busiest days of the year at the DMV. Expect wait times to be 2–3 times longer than usual.
• REAL ID Deadline Reminder: While the holidays are busy, remember that the REAL ID enforcement deadline is approaching in 2026. If you have an appointment now, do not skip it, as slots in January are already filling up.
• Online First: Over 70% of DMV tasks (address changes, simple renewals, and fee payments) can now be done via your state’s “e-Services” portal, which does not close for the holidays.