Bureau of Motor Vehicles hours vary by location and day of the week

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — also called the Department of Motor Vehicles in some states — does not have a single closing time. Each office sets its own schedule, and most stay open until 5 p.m. on weekdays, though some close as early as 4 p.m. or stay open until 6 p.m. Saturday hours are typically shorter, often 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and many locations are closed on Sunday.

The fastest way to find your specific office's hours is to search "[your state] BMV hours" plus your city or county name, or to call the office directly. Most states also post hours on their motor vehicle agency website, searchable by location. If you are planning a visit, checking ahead saves a wasted trip — offices sometimes close early for staff training or stay closed on holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices close at 5 p.m. on weekdays, but hours vary by location and some close as early as 4 p.m.
  • Saturday hours are usually shorter, often 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and most offices are closed on Sunday.
  • Your state's motor vehicle website lists hours for each office, searchable by city or county.
  • Calling your local office directly is the most reliable way to confirm hours before you visit, since holiday closures and schedule changes happen without warning.

How to find your local office's closing time online

Start with your state's official motor vehicle agency website. Each state names this office differently — Indiana calls it the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, California calls it the Department of Motor Vehicles, New York calls it the Department of Motor Vehicles, and so on. Search "[your state name] motor vehicles" to land on the official site.

Once there, look for a link labeled "Locations," "Office Locator," "Find an Office," or "Hours." Enter your city or zip code. The results will show your nearest office, its address, phone number, and hours for each day of the week. Some sites let you filter by service type — for example, if you need a license renewal versus a vehicle registration — because not all offices offer all services.

Bookmark or save the phone number. If the website does not show hours or if you want to confirm before driving there, a quick call takes 30 seconds and prevents a trip to a closed office.

Why hours differ between offices in the same state

Larger cities usually have multiple Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, and each one sets its own schedule based on local demand and staffing. A busy downtown office might stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays, while a smaller suburban location closes at 4:30 p.m. Rural offices may have even shorter hours or be open only certain days of the week.

Some states also run satellite offices with limited hours — these handle only renewals or registration changes, not new licenses or vehicle titles. If you need a specific service, the office locator will tell you which locations offer it. Calling ahead prevents you from arriving at an office that cannot handle your transaction.

What to do if your local office is closed when you need it

Many states now offer online services for common transactions. License renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and address changes can often be completed on the state website without visiting an office. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see which services are available online — this is usually faster than waiting for an office to open.

If you need an in-person service and your local office is closed, look for another office nearby that is open. The office locator shows all locations in your area, and you can visit any of them — you are not required to use the one closest to your home. Some states also offer extended hours at select locations on certain days, so check whether a nearby office has evening or weekend hours.

Planning ahead for holidays and seasonal closures

Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices close on federal holidays — New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — and sometimes on state-specific holidays. Many offices also close on the day after Thanksgiving. If you are planning a visit around a holiday, check your state's website for a holiday closure calendar, or call the office to confirm it will be open.

Some offices also close for one or two days per year for staff training. These dates are usually posted on the website or announced by phone when you call. If you have a time-sensitive need — for example, your license expires soon — do not wait until the last day. Visit or renew online at least a week before your important date to avoid being caught by an unexpected closure.

Using online services to avoid visiting during office hours

Many states let you renew your driver's license, renew your vehicle registration, update your address, or request a duplicate license online. These services are available 24 hours a day and do not depend on office hours. Visit your state's motor vehicle website and look for "Online Services," "Renew Online," or "My Account" to see what you can do without visiting an office.

Online renewal usually takes a few minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. Your new license or registration arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your documents sooner or if your transaction requires an in-person visit — for example, a first-time license or a vehicle title transfer — then you will need to visit an office during its open hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices have the same hours?

No. Each office sets its own schedule. Most close at 5 p.m. on weekdays, but some close earlier or stay open later. Saturday hours vary widely, and most offices are closed on Sunday. Always check your specific location's hours before visiting.

Can I visit any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or do I have to go to the one in my city?

You can visit any office in your state. You are not required to use the one closest to your home. If your local office has inconvenient hours, check whether a nearby office has hours that work better for you.

What if I need to renew my license but the office is closed?

Many states let you renew your license online through the motor vehicle website. This is available 24 hours a day and your new license arrives by mail. Check your state's website to see if online renewal is an option for you.

Are Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices closed on weekends?

Most offices are closed on Sunday. Many are open on Saturday, usually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but hours vary by location. Check your state's office locator to see Saturday hours at your nearest office.

How do I learn about my local office is closed for a holiday?

Call the office directly or check your state's motor vehicle website for a holiday closure calendar. Most offices close on federal holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day, but some states have additional closures. Calling ahead takes 30 seconds and confirms the office will be open.