When is MLK Day? Here’s when MLK day is January, and if banks, courts will be open

In early January, America will take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on the day dedicated to his memory. Here’s what you need to know about MLK Day — celebrated on King’s birthday — including whether banks and courts will remain open.

When is MLK Day 2025?

MLK Day 2025 falls on Monday, Jan. 20, which in 2025, also falls on Inauguration Day.

Major banks will be closed on MLK Day

MLK Day is considered a federal holiday, and as such, the major banks — Bank of America, Capital One, Citibank, PNC, Wells Fargo and Truist — consider MLK Day to be a bank holiday, and will be closed.

Will federal courts be open on MLK Day?

All federal and state courts and non-essential services will be closed on Jan. 20, 2025.

Mail, packages won’t be delivered on MLK Day

FedEx will be open on MLK Day, and will deliver packages as normally scheduled.

All United States Postal Service locations will be closed on MLK Day. Regular post office hours and mail delivery will resume on Tuesday, January 21.

UPS will be closed on MLK Day as well, and will not deliver any packages.

Do I have to work on MLK Day?

All non-essential government workers should be off on MLK day, and it is to the discretion of individual companies if they give workers MLK Day off, so check with your company’s policy.

Most retail locations and fast-food restaurants will be open on MLK Day.

History of MLK Day of Service

Then-President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law in November of 1983, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968.

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the King Holiday and Service Act was later signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton on August 23, 1994.

Inspired by King’s life of service, the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis and former Sen. Harris Wofford proposed the legislation to encourage Americans to find common causes and methods of improving their communities.