Veterans Day 2023: Are banks closed on Friday? Will mail be delivered?

It’s a question spurring plenty of Google searches this week. Nov. 11 marks Veterans Day, a federal holiday in which Americans recognize those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. And because the holiday falls on a Saturday, the holiday is set to be observed on Friday, Nov. 10, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In some instances, many businesses and offices will have different operating hours on Friday as well as on Saturday. So if you’re wondering whether banks, post offices, federal offices or the stock market will be running as usual on Friday, then MarketWatch has you covered.

And everything should be business as usual on Monday. 

So here’s what you need to know.

Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?

No, the U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq, will not be open on the actual Veterans Day because it falls on a Saturday. But the NYSE and the Nasdaq will indeed follow a regular schedule on Friday, the day before Veterans Day.

The U.S. bond market, which may be poised for a big comeback next year if yields continue to fall, will be open Friday and closed Saturday, as usual.

Will banks be open on Veterans Day?

Banks will remain open the Friday before Veterans Day, but some may have modified hours, so check with your local bank branch to be sure.

But no, most banks will not be open on Veterans Day this Saturday. Federal Reserve banks and their branches will close on Saturday, as nearly all banks follow the Fed’s holiday schedule.

Bank ATMs will continue to operate as normal, and digital banking features like fund transfers and check deposits will still be available online or via your bank’s app.

Will the United States Postal Service deliver mail on Veterans Day?

No, post offices will be closed Saturday, and there will be no regular mail deliveries or packages.

Some USPS services may still be available online, however, such as the ability to order stamps, boxes and other mail supplies, as well as print shipping labels or schedule package pickups for after the holiday. Customers looking for those services will need a USPS.com account.

Post offices will remain open the Friday before Veterans Day, but some locations may have modified hours.

Are UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day?

Yes, FedEx Office and UPS Store brick-and-mortar locations will operate normally on both the Friday before the holiday, and on Saturday. Some shipping services, including FedEx Express and FedEx Ground Economy, may have modified services.

Are schools open on Veterans Day?

There are some school closures due to Veterans Day, but they vary by region and school district. For example, New York students won’t have the Friday before Veterans Day off from school, while students in California will have Friday off. Be sure to check with your local school district.

Holiday observances for schools may also vary for private institutions versus public schools, so be sure to check with your school’s administration office to be sure.

Is the DMV open on Veterans Day?

Whether state motor-vehicle service locations will be open or not also varies by state. New Jersey’s department of motor vehicle offices will be closed the Friday before Veterans Day, while most Pennsylvania DMV offices will remain open. So check with your local DMV.

What other federal government services could be impacted?

Federal offices for the U.S. Department of Education will be closed, as well as many of the Federal Student Aid processors and customer contact centers, the department’s website states. Some process centers that will remain open on the Friday before the holiday include ECSI Federal Perkins Loan Servicer and Nelnet.

Federal Student Aid websites will remain operational throughout the holiday, meaning borrowers can still make payments online.

What about stores and restaurants?

Most retail, chain restaurants and grocery stores should be open as normal on Friday and Saturday.

Some retailers have made a federal holidays company holiday as well — like Target
TGT,
-2.79%
and Nike
NKE,
-2.18%
did for Juneteenth — but most retailers appear set to operate as normal. Check with your local shops to be sure.
Several big-box retailers including Target will not only be open, but will also offer discounts or deals to veterans and active military service members. In addition, Walmart
WMT,
-0.23%
has created an online shopping tab that highlights veteran-owned brands for shoppers.