What Is Closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day? (Banks, Schools, Mail, More)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which means many institutions are closed, including banks, post offices, government offices, and most schools.

If you're wondering what's closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), you're likely planning your schedule, wondering if you need to run errands, or trying to figure out if your usual services will be available. MLK Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January, and it affects the operations of many institutions across the country.

What Is MLK Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. It's observed on the third Monday of January each year, which means the date varies between January 15 and January 21.

MLK Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983 and was first observed in 1986. It's now recognized by all 50 states and is one of 11 federal holidays in the United States.

What Closes on MLK Day?

Since MLK Day is a federal holiday, many institutions and services are closed. Here's a comprehensive guide to what's closed and what remains open:

Federal Government Offices

Closed: All federal government offices and agencies are closed on MLK Day, including:

• Federal Agencies: All federal agencies, such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and others
• Federal Courts: Federal courts are closed, and no federal court proceedings are scheduled
• Social Security Administration: Offices are closed, though some online services may be available
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Offices are closed, though online filing and services may be available
• National Parks: Most National Park Service facilities are open, though some visitor centers may have reduced hours
• Federal Employees: Non-essential federal employees have the day off with pay

Open: Some federal services may remain operational:

• Online government services and websites
• Emergency services (police, fire, medical)
• Some federal employees working in critical roles

Banks

Closed: Most banks in the United States are closed on MLK Day, including:

• Major Banks: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, and most other major banks
• Credit Unions: Most credit unions are closed
• Bank Branches: Physical bank branches are closed
• Banking Transactions: Most banking transactions are delayed until the next business day

Open/Available: Some banking services remain available:

• Online Banking: Most online banking services remain available
• ATM Services: ATMs are typically available 24/7
• Mobile Banking: Mobile banking apps usually function normally
• Customer Service: Some banks may offer limited customer service via phone or online chat

Important Note: If MLK Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday (which it doesn't, since it's always on a Monday), banks might observe the holiday on a different day. However, since MLK Day is always on a Monday, this isn't an issue.

Post Office and Mail Delivery

Closed: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed on MLK Day:

• Post Offices: All USPS post offices are closed
• Mail Delivery: Regular mail delivery does not occur on MLK Day
• Package Delivery: USPS package delivery is suspended
• Post Office Boxes: While post office buildings are closed, PO box mail deposited before the holiday will be available the next business day

Open: Some postal services may remain available:

• Self-Service Kiosks: Some 24-hour self-service kiosks may remain accessible
• Online Services: USPS.com remains available for online services and purchases

Package Delivery Services

UPS: UPS typically operates on a regular schedule on MLK Day, though some services may be limited. Ground shipping may be delayed.

FedEx: FedEx usually operates on a regular schedule on MLK Day, though some services may be limited. Ground shipping may be delayed.

Amazon Delivery: Amazon typically continues delivery operations on MLK Day, though delivery times may be adjusted.

Note: Delivery services' policies may vary, and it's best to check with the specific carrier for the most up-to-date information.

Schools

Closed: Most public schools are closed on MLK Day:

• Public Schools: Most public school districts observe MLK Day as a holiday
• State Schools: Most state colleges and universities are closed
• Federal Schools: Schools operated by the federal government are closed

Open: Some schools may remain open:

• Private Schools: Some private schools may remain open, depending on their individual policies
• Charter Schools: Charter schools may have different policies regarding MLK Day
• Daycares: Some daycare centers may remain open, though it varies by facility

Note: School policies vary by district and state, so it's important to check with your local school district for specific information.

State and Local Government Offices

Closed: Most state and local government offices are closed on MLK Day:

• State Agencies: Most state government agencies observe MLK Day as a holiday
• Local Government: Most city and county government offices are closed
• DMV/BMV: Most Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices are closed
• State Courts: Most state courts are closed, though this varies by state
• Public Libraries: Many public libraries are closed, though some may have reduced hours

Open: Some state and local services may remain available:

• Emergency Services: Police, fire, and medical emergency services remain operational
• Online Services: Many online government services remain available
• Parks and Recreation: Some parks and recreation facilities may remain open

Stock Markets

Closed: Major stock markets are closed on MLK Day:

• New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): Closed
• NASDAQ: Closed
• Bond Markets: Most bond markets are closed
• Foreign Exchange Markets: May have limited trading hours

Open: Some financial services may remain available:

• Online Trading: Some online trading platforms may remain accessible
• Futures Markets: Some futures markets may have limited trading hours

Retail Stores and Restaurants

Open: Most retail stores and restaurants remain open on MLK Day:

• Retail Stores: Most retail stores, including malls, shopping centers, and individual stores, remain open
• Restaurants: Most restaurants remain open, though hours may vary
• Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores remain open
• Convenience Stores: Convenience stores typically remain open 24/7

Closed: Some retail businesses may choose to close:

• Some small businesses: May choose to observe the holiday
• Some local businesses: May have different policies

Note: Since MLK Day is also observed as a National Day of Service, some businesses may offer special promotions or encourage volunteer activities.

Transportation

Public Transportation: Most public transportation systems operate on a regular or modified schedule on MLK Day. However, schedules may be adjusted, so it's best to check with your local transit authority.

Airlines: Airlines typically operate on regular schedules, though airport services may have reduced hours.

Trains: Amtrak and other train services typically operate on regular schedules.

Hospitals and Medical Services

Open: Hospitals and medical services typically remain operational:

• Hospitals: Hospitals remain open 24/7
• Emergency Rooms: Emergency rooms remain open
• Urgent Care Centers: Most urgent care centers remain open
• Pharmacies: Most pharmacies remain open, though hours may vary

Note: Some non-urgent medical services may have limited availability, so it's best to call ahead.

Is MLK Day a Business Holiday?

Yes, MLK Day is a federal holiday, which means:

• Federal employees get the day off with pay
• Many businesses observe the holiday and give employees the day off
• Some businesses remain open but may operate with reduced staffing

However, private businesses are not required to observe federal holidays, so policies vary by company. Some businesses choose to remain open, while others may offer employees the option to take the day off or work.

Do Government Workers Get MLK Day Off?

Yes, federal government workers typically get MLK Day off with pay as a federal holiday. This includes:

• Federal Employees: Non-essential federal employees have the day off with pay
• Federal Contractors: May also observe the holiday, depending on their contracts
• State Employees: Most state employees also get the day off, though this varies by state
• Local Government Employees: Many local government employees also get the day off

However, essential employees (such as law enforcement, emergency services, and some healthcare workers) may be required to work, often with holiday pay or compensatory time off.

MLK Day as a Day of Service

Since 1994, MLK Day has been designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and engage in community service activities. This means that while many institutions are closed, many people use the day to:

• Volunteer at food banks and soup kitchens
• Participate in community cleanup projects
• Organize blood drives
• Tutor and mentor youth
• Support organizations that promote civil rights and social justice

Planning Around MLK Day

If you need to plan events, run errands, or schedule appointments around MLK Day, keep in mind:

1. Banking: Plan ahead for banking needs, as most banks are closed
2. Mail: Mail delivery won't occur, so plan for any time-sensitive mailings
3. Government Services: Government offices are closed, so schedule appointments accordingly
4. Schools: Most schools are closed, so plan childcare accordingly
5. Transportation: Public transportation may have modified schedules

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Banks Closed on MLK Day?

Yes, most banks in the United States are closed on MLK Day because it's a federal holiday. However, online banking and ATMs typically remain available.

Is the Post Office Closed on MLK Day?

Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is closed on MLK Day, and regular mail delivery does not occur.

Are Schools Closed on MLK Day?

Yes, most public schools are closed on MLK Day, though policies vary by district. Some private schools may remain open.

Is MLK Day a Business Holiday?

Yes, MLK Day is a federal holiday, though private businesses are not required to observe it. Many businesses choose to give employees the day off or operate with reduced staffing.

Do Government Workers Get MLK Day Off?

Yes, federal government workers typically get MLK Day off with pay. State and local government employees also usually get the day off, though policies vary.

Are Retail Stores Open on MLK Day?

Yes, most retail stores and restaurants remain open on MLK Day, though hours may vary.

Is UPS/FedEx Delivering on MLK Day?

UPS and FedEx typically continue operations on MLK Day, though some services may be limited. Ground shipping may be delayed.

Is MLK Day Always on a Monday?

Yes, MLK Day is always observed on the third Monday of January, so it's always on a Monday.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which means many institutions are closed, including banks, post offices, government offices, and most schools. However, most retail stores and restaurants remain open, and public transportation typically operates on regular or modified schedules.

When MLK Day approaches, it's helpful to plan ahead for banking needs, mail delivery, and government services. Many people also use the day as an opportunity to volunteer and engage in community service activities, honoring Dr. King's legacy through service.

For more information about MLK Day, visit our MLK Day countdown and MLK Day date calculator to find out when the next observance will be.