USPS mail blackout pauses deliveries across DC region on Presidents Day 2026
Mail delivery in the Washington area will be halted Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET), as the U. S. Postal Service observes Presidents Day. The USPS mail blackout will shutter post office locations and suspend routine delivery, joining other federal and municipal closures that will affect commuters and residents.
What the USPS mail blackout means for residents and businesses
On Presidents Day, mail carriers will not make regular deliveries and post office lobbies will be closed. That means letters, routine packages, and first-class mail will not move on Monday; processing will resume the following business day. Residents expecting time-sensitive deliveries should plan for delays and consider alternative carriers for urgent shipments.
Private carriers will continue operating in most cases, though some have adjusted services for the holiday. Businesses that rely on next-day or scheduled pickups should confirm arrangements ahead of the holiday to avoid interrupted supply chains or missed deliveries.
Closures and schedule changes across the DC area
Federal and many local government offices will be closed Monday. Major bank branches will generally be closed as well, though individual locations may follow different holiday schedules. Departments that handle vehicle services — including motor vehicle branches — will not be open on Presidents Day.
Transit and municipal services will run on modified schedules. Metrorail will operate a weekend timetable from 5 a. m. until midnight (ET), while buses will follow a Saturday schedule with supplemental trips. Several suburban bus systems will run holiday or altered schedules; some paratransit options will not operate on the holiday. Residents should check their local transit agency’s schedule before traveling.
Parking enforcement will be relaxed in parts of the region: D. C. meters do not require payment Monday and enforcement will resume Tuesday. Montgomery County will allow free parking in garages, lots, and curbside meters. Arlington will suspend parking meter enforcement for the holiday. Recreation and community centers operated by parks departments will largely be closed, though outdoor parks remain open and emergency shelters will continue normal operations.
How to prepare for the holiday blackout
Plan ahead if you expect mail or government services over the holiday weekend. If you need a passport, vehicle registration, or other in-person services typically handled at government offices, visit offices before Monday or secure an appointment for after the holiday. Businesses anticipating deliveries should confirm with carriers about pickup windows and consider expedited options if timing is critical.
Residents with regular pick-up services for trash and recycling should note that scheduled adjustments may be made around the holiday; some collection plans may return to regular timing after prior changes. For those who rely on library or community resources, a limited number of libraries in the city will remain open, but most recreation facilities will be closed.
Finally, if you are traveling or expecting guests, be mindful that transit is on a reduced lineup and some complementary services will not operate. Double-check travel times and allow extra margin for delayed mail or altered public transit frequencies.
The USPS mail blackout is short but meaningful: a one-day pause in routine postal operations that dovetails with broader federal and local closures. Taking a few simple steps now will help avoid disrupted plans on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET).
