Is today a federal holiday? Yes—Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and many services are closed

Yes, today is a U.S. federal holiday: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., commonly called Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day). It falls on Monday, January 19, 2026, which is the third Monday in January, and it typically brings widespread closures across federal offices and many related services.

If you’re trying to plan errands, payments, shipping, or travel, the key point is that “federal holiday” affects what the U.S. government runs today—and many other institutions mirror that schedule even if they aren’t legally required to.

Today’s holiday matters now because it often changes what’s open, what’s delayed, and when things resume (usually Tuesday).

What holiday is it today, and why it’s observed

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The observance is set for the third Monday of January, which means the date shifts each year even though Dr. King’s birthday was January 15.

In practical terms, it’s one of the federal holidays that’s most noticeable in daily life because it overlaps with winter schedules, school calendars, and the heart of the financial year’s first quarter.

What’s typically closed in the U.S. on a federal holiday like MLK Day

Federal holidays most reliably affect federal government operations first—and then ripple out to other institutions.

Here’s what is commonly impacted on MLK Day:

• Federal government offices: Typically closed.

• U.S. Postal Service: Regular mail delivery is typically paused for the day, with normal service resuming the next business day.

• Banks and many credit unions: Many close or operate with limited services; online banking still works, but in-person services may not.

• U.S. financial markets: Major markets are generally closed, which can affect trading and settlement timelines.

What can vary widely by location:

• State and local government offices (DMVs, courts, city offices)

• Schools and universities

• Public transportation schedules

• Trash and recycling pickup

• Retail store hours (many remain open, often with regular or slightly reduced hours)

Because local rules differ, two people in different counties can have completely different “open/closed” experiences on the same federal holiday.

What this means for you: is today a federal holiday

If your question is really “Will this disrupt my day?” here’s the quick, practical guide.

1. If you need government paperwork done today
   Plan on waiting until Tuesday, January 20, 2026. That includes most federal office needs and many court or administrative services.

2. If you’re expecting mail or shipping
   Assume no standard mail delivery today. Private carriers often operate, but schedules can be lighter and pickups can shift.

3. If you need banking in person
   Many branches close for MLK Day. ATMs and online transfers typically still work, but processing times can be slower when institutions are closed.

4. If you’re watching deadlines
   Payments or documents that “count” on a business day can be affected. If something is due today, check whether the sender/agency treats MLK Day as a non-business day.

5. If you’re not in the United States
   A U.S. federal holiday doesn’t automatically change business hours abroad. If you’re in Cairo, for example, local services may run normally—while U.S.-based offices you depend on may be offline.

Quick timeline: when things close and reopen

1. Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 (today): Federal holiday observance; many U.S. government services closed.

2. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026: Most impacted services resume normal schedules.

3. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026: Next major U.S. federal holiday for many institutions (often called Presidents Day; federally listed as Washington’s Birthday).

MLK Day became a federal holiday decades ago after a long national effort, and its third-Monday scheduling was designed to create a consistent long weekend. That structure—similar to other Monday-observed holidays—helps institutions plan closures and staffing while encouraging public commemorations and community service events.

Looking ahead, the most useful move is simple: if something is time-sensitive and depends on U.S. government processing, banking settlement, or mail flow, treat today as a “pause day” and plan for activity to pick back up on Tuesday. If you tell me what you’re trying to do (mail, bank, school, markets, government office), I can translate the holiday into the most likely outcome for that specific task.