Find out the answer to “are post offices open on Veterans Day” and learn about USPS hours, mail delivery, and holiday services.
Let me take you back to a chilly last morning in November, the Veterans Day to be accurate. It was one of those mornings when the air carried the crisp scent of fallen leaves and pumpkins, and the sun lingered lower in the sky. My cousin Sara called me a little nervous and asked, “Hey, can you check if the post office is open today? I really need to send this package out!”
I laughed slowly, drank my hot coffee and said, “You know what, I was in this boat before. Let’s find it together.”
If you are something like Sara, or like me on countless occasions, you are probably Googling, “Is the post office open on Veterans Day?” Maybe you’re outside your local post office, surprised by dark windows and closed doors, and wondering if you’ve missed the note. This is a question that pops up without fail every year.
And don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone.
Interestingly, much like other federal holidays and their impact on government operations, workplace laws often dictate closures and operating hours for many organizations. You can explore more about such workplace policies here.
Today, we’ll go deep into this question, not just with a simple yes or no (even if you’ll get it immediately!), but also find out why the post office stops on this day, what services are still available, and what are your options if you need to do any immediate mailing.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Article Breakdown
Fast Answer: Is the Post Office Open on Veterans Day?
No, the post office stays closed on Veterans Day.
Veteran Day, per year November 11, is a federal holiday in the United States. This means that all US postal services (USPS) locations are closed for the day. Doors, lights, or favorable officials have not been unlocked on the finished counter ready to help you in your shipping needs.
Many people are also surprised, does the mail drive on Veterans Day? There is no short answer – there is no regular postal delivery on Veterans Day. The only exception is Priority Mail Express, which sometimes operates on federal holidays for immediate delivery.
So, if you’re wondering whether the post office is open or closed on Veterans Day, now you know the answer.
What is the reason post offices close on Veterans Day?
This is the place where a small historical reference is useful – and trust me, it is very attractive.
Veterans Day originally began as an “Armistice Day”, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1938, it was an official holiday to honor all military giants, past and present for his service and sacrifice.
As it is a federal holiday, many government offices, including USPS, shut down and observe it. This reflection, praise and different time in many communities, parade or memorial ceremonies.
I remember that a few years ago a waiting -time parade participated in my hometown. The roads were rolled with American flags, the School March band played patriotic tunes, and the veterans cycled in classic cars under Main Street. It is difficult to feel a deep sense of gratitude in those moments.
The USPS employees, many of whom are a veteran, put down the day as recognition of this important holiday. This is why you want to see notifications such as Closed Post Office for Veterans Day at each USPS site around this time of year.
Inaccessible services at Veterans Day
Here is the collapse of USPS services that you do not have access to Veterans Day:
- Post Office Lob Services: Closed
- Mail Counter Services: Closed
- Post Delivery (regular first -class mail, package, etc.): Do not operate
- Customer service lines: Restricted or closed
- Retail Services: Closed
Many people often wonder, is there a post delivery on Veterans Day, or does the post on Veterans Day go? The simple answer is not – unless you use Priority Mail Express, postal services are prevented for the day.
Services are still available on the veteranade
Now, here’s some good news, if you really need to get something mailed or access certain services, not all hope is lost!
Some services remain accessible even when the post offices are closed:
| Service | Availability on Veterans Day |
| Priority Mail Express | Available (limited, depending on area) |
| Self-Service Kiosks | Open at certain locations (check your local branch) |
| USPS.com | Fully operational 24/7 |
| Online Package Tracking | Available |
| Informed Delivery | Available |
| P.O. Boxes (Lobby Access) | Often accessible, but check locally |
I’ve actually used the self-service kiosk at my local post office on a holiday. It was quiet, eerily so, but the kiosk worked like a charm for buying postage and dropping off pre-labeled packages.
Still, many people find themselves wondering, is there mail on Veterans Day or can I receive mail on Veterans Day? Unless your package qualifies under Priority Mail Express, you’ll need to wait until the following business day.
How to plan around Veterans Day Closure
Trust me, I went there. Nothing is disappointing more than feeling your time-sensitive letter or holiday gift, as you have not examined the USPS holiday program.
Here are some suggestions
1. Check the USPS holiday schedule early
The USPS releases its official holiday calendar every year. You can easily find it online or even pick up a printed version at your local post office.
2. Use informed delivery to track mail
Even if you cannot receive the mail that day, the reported distribution service to the USPS allows you e -post and packages digital preview.
3. Consider alternative distribution services
Other cures such as FedEx and UPS can work on Veterans Day (with boundaries). If your shipment is necessary, it is worth checking their holiday schedule.
4. Further plan for bill and time -sensitive mail
If payment deadlines come to Veterans Day, try sending your goods a few days ago to avoid delay.
In fact, I once had a neighbor who forgot about the Veterans Day closure and missed an important medical bill. They too had asked me in a panic, is the post office open on Veterans Day? Unfortunately, it was too late, but now they mark it on their calendar every year.
How Veterans Day Compares to Other USPS Holidays
It’s not just Veterans Day that causes closures. Here’s a quick look at other federal holidays when USPS shuts down:
| Holiday | Date | Post Office Status |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Closed |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 3rd Monday of January | Closed |
| Presidents Day | 3rd Monday of February | Closed |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday of May | Closed |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Closed |
| Labor Day | 1st Monday of September | Closed |
| Columbus Day | 2nd Monday of October | Closed |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day | 4th Thursday of November | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Closed |
A personal lesson learned a hard way
Let me tell you a quick story about the year I really messed up.
It was a few years ago-November-November-and I was ready for the holiday. I carefully packed some handmade gifts for my niece and nephew, and felt proud to be ahead of the schedule.
I came to the post office on November 11, and was humiliated with melodies of holidays in my earbuds… Just a closed door should be congratulated.
Yup, Veterans Day.
I stood there flashing an eye on the closed symbol, my arms were full of packages, which felt like the ultimate lethargy. I also caught the vision of another person in the parking lot, who made the same walk-off-sham in his car, maybe even thought are post offices open on Veterans Day?
Learned a lesson.
Now I always check the USPS holiday plan before I send anything in November or December. And yes -I do it even when I think I know the date, just to be safe.
Many of us say that Veterans Day and Post Office closures can affect our plans, but once you have that experience, you don’t forget.
Veterans Day and Online Shopping: Will your package be delayed?
When the sky touches online shopping, many are surprised: Will Veterans Day expose my Amazon order?
Here’s the deal:
- If your order is shipped via USPS, you can expect delays around Veterans Day.
- However, UPS, FedEx and Amazon Logistics can still distribute the day based on your area and selected shipping method.
He said, “Like November, heavy purchasing duration often delays widespread shipping, so it is best to put in extra time.
In fact, I waited for two days for a birthday present because I was not responsible for Veterans Day. After that I did not quite know about the answer to the question, are post offices open on Veterans Day? Safe to say, I’ve never made that mistake again.
Key Takings:
- So, to wrap this up, no, post offices are not open on Veterans Day. It’s a federal holiday, honoring veterans’ service, and USPS rightfully takes a break.
- But don’t let that stop you from being prepared:
- Check USPS.com early for closures.
- Plan ahead for time-sensitive mail.
- Use online services for smaller tasks.
- Always have a backup plan, just in case.
- As someone who’s made every mail-related mistake in the book (and lived to tell the tale), trust me, it pays to be proactive.
- Veterans Day is about much more than mail delays. It’s a day to honor and remember. But with a little planning, you can enjoy the holiday and keep your mailing schedule on track.
- Next time November rolls around, I bet you’ll remember this post, and maybe even share it with a friend who’s frantically Googling are post offices open on Veterans Day or is the post office open on Veterans Day?
Additional Resources:
- USPS: Post Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day: The official USPS announcement confirming that all post office locations are closed on Veterans Day. Regular mail services are paused, but Priority Mail Express still delivers.
- AARP: USPS Holidays in 2025: This resource provides a full list of USPS-observed holidays, including Veterans Day. It also offers tips for managing mailing needs when post offices are closed
- Wikipedia: Postal Holiday: A helpful breakdown of all USPS holidays, including Veterans Day. Also clarifies exceptions like Priority Mail Express, which continues year-round.
