USPS mail blackout on Presidents Day 2026: What’s open and what’s closed in the DC region
Washington’s Birthday observance on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, brings a USPS mail blackout across the region and a host of service changes. Federal offices, many banks and post offices will be closed. Below is a practical guide to what residents can expect in the District and nearby counties for the holiday.
Mail, banks, government offices and essential services
A USPS mail blackout will pause regular mail delivery and close post office locations on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Postal facilities are scheduled to reopen the following day, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Mailers and residents should plan for that one-day interruption.
Most federal offices and state motor vehicle centers in the region will be closed for the holiday; DMV locations in the District and in Virginia, along with Maryland motor vehicle administration offices, will not be operating. Major bank branches will close for the federal holiday, though some ATMs and limited teller services may remain available depending on individual branch policies.
Stock markets and U. S. bond markets will be closed for the holiday, halting trading activity for the day.
Transit, shipping and local government operations
Metrorail will run on a weekend schedule, operating from 5 a. m. to midnight ET. Metrobus service will follow a Saturday schedule with supplemental trips. Regional bus systems will adjust as well: one county bus system will operate on a holiday schedule while neighboring county services will mostly run normally with a few route exceptions and suspended paratransit options for the day.
Private shipping carriers will continue to move packages but with modified timetables. Ground and some consolidated services may incur an extra business-day transit delay because of the federal holiday.
Local government-run recreation, community and aquatic centers will close for the day, but outdoor parks will remain open. Emergency and hypothermia shelters will remain in operation to serve those in need.
Schools, parking, libraries and sanitation
Public schools throughout the D. C. region will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Parents and guardians should consult school district communications for any childcare or program exceptions tied to the holiday.
Parking enforcement will be suspended in many parts of the District and select neighboring jurisdictions for Presidents Day, with meters not requiring payment Monday and enforcement resuming Tuesday. Several counties will offer free parking at garages, lots and curbside meters for the holiday.
Library branches will operate on a scaled schedule, with one branch in each ward of the city open for limited services on Presidents Day. Trash and recycling collection will follow normal pickup schedules after a planned one-day shift was reverted back to the regular timetable.
Residents should plan for the USPS mail blackout and adjust any time-sensitive mailings or bill payments. For travel, deliveries and local errands, check with specific service providers and local government announcements for the latest holiday schedules and any last-minute changes.
