Veterans Day is a federal holiday, but whether you actually get the day off depends entirely on who writes your paycheck. Federal government employees, postal workers, and many bank staff get the day off, while private-sector workers and most retail employees usually do not.
Understanding how this holiday impacts your schedule requires looking past the official calendar designation. Different employers, school districts, and state laws treat November 11 with varying rules.
Federal Employees and Government Services
As an official federal holiday, Veterans Day closes all non-essential federal government offices. Federal employees receive paid leave, and government agencies pause regular public-facing operations.
- USPS Mail Delivery: The United States Postal Service suspends regular mail delivery, and post office locations close. Packages handled by private couriers like FedEx and UPS typically continue operating on standard schedules.
- Courts and Municipalities: Federal courts close down for the day. State and local government office closures vary depending on municipal policies, though many state-level agencies follow the federal calendar.
- Public Services: Expect delays or closures at passport agencies, public libraries, and municipal utility billing offices depending on your local government's holiday schedule.
Private Sector Work Rules
If you work in the private sector, federal holiday rules don't automatically apply to you. U.S. labor law doesn't force private employers to give employees paid time off for Veterans Day.
Most private companies, manufacturing plants, and corporate offices remain fully open on November 11. Retail stores, restaurants, and hospitality businesses almost always stay open, often running special promotions or sales.
Certain states have enacted specific requirements that alter this general rule. For example, states like Massachusetts mandate that employers with a specific workforce size provide paid leave to veterans who want to participate in local observances, provided the employee gives reasonable notice. Iowa, New Hampshire, and Oregon also have distinct state provisions regarding veteran leave. Outside of these specific state laws, private employers decide entirely on their own whether to recognize Veterans Day as a paid company holiday.
Banks and Financial Markets
Financial institutions follow a mixed schedule on Veterans Day.
- Bank Branches: Most commercial bank branches close because they follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule. Automated teller machines and mobile banking apps function normally, but in-person teller services are unavailable.
- Stock Markets: Unlike some other federal holidays, major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq keep their trading floors open for regular business.
- Bond Markets: The U.S. bond market typically closes under recommendations from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).
Schools and Universities
School schedules on Veterans Day depend heavily on local district decisions.
Public K-12 school closures vary by region. Some school districts treat November 11 as a standard holiday, giving students and teachers the day off. Other districts stay open to maintain instructional time, sometimes using the day for classroom lessons focused on military history and civic education.
Colleges and universities also follow diverse policies. Public universities often align with state government holiday schedules, while private universities set their own academic calendars. Check your specific school's academic calendar to confirm whether classes are in session.
Common Misunderstandings About Veterans Day Closures
- Assuming it's a mandatory holiday for everyone: Many people assume that because a day is marked on the federal calendar, all businesses must close. Private employers retain the legal right to stay open.
- Confusing it with Memorial Day: Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, while Veterans Day honors all U.S. veterans who served. Both are federal holidays, but public business closures differ slightly depending on local community events.
- Expecting all financial services to halt: Because banks close due to the Federal Reserve schedule, people often assume the stock market closes too. Equity markets operate normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid extra if I work on Veterans Day?
Private employers aren't required by federal law to pay holiday premium rates for working on Veterans Day. Any extra pay depends entirely on your company's internal policy or collective bargaining agreements.
Are grocery stores and retail shops open?
Yes. Major grocery chains, department stores, and local shops remain open on Veterans Day because private businesses choose their own operating hours.
Is public transportation affected?
Public transit networks like subways, city buses, and commuter trains generally run on regular weekday schedules or modified holiday schedules, depending on the transit authority in your city.
Can my employer make me use vacation time for Veterans Day?
If your private company doesn't recognize Veterans Day as a paid company holiday, you must work your regular shift or request a standard paid time off day, subject to manager approval.
