What the San Francisco DMV handles and where it is located

The San Francisco DMV is a branch office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It handles driver's licenses, identification cards, vehicle registration, title transfers, and related transactions for people in San Francisco and some surrounding areas. The main office is located at 1377 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, and it is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on state holidays.

San Francisco also has a second DMV office at 99 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, which handles similar services. Both locations require appointments for most transactions — walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule an appointment through the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

The DMV does not handle address changes by mail or phone at these locations. If you need to change your address on your driver's license or ID card, you can do so online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at either office.

Key Takeaways

  • The San Francisco DMV has two locations: 1377 Fell Street and 99 Hawthorne Street, both open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You must schedule an appointment before visiting either office — the DMV does not accept walk-ins.
  • Appointments can be scheduled online at dmv.ca.gov or by phone at 1-800-777-0133.
  • Address changes on your driver's license or ID can be completed online, by mail, or in person without visiting an office.

How to schedule an appointment at the San Francisco DMV

To schedule an appointment, visit dmv.ca.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. You will need to enter your zip code or city name to find available locations, then choose either the Fell Street or Hawthorne Street office. The website will show you available dates and times, usually several weeks in advance.

If you prefer to schedule by phone, call 1-800-777-0133. A representative can book your appointment and answer questions about what documents to bring. Wait times on the phone are often long during business hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may be faster.

When you schedule, you will need to know what transaction you are coming for — renewing a license, getting a new ID, registering a vehicle, or transferring a title, for example. The DMV uses this information to estimate how long your visit will take and to may support the right staff are available.

Documents you will need to bring

The documents required depend on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. For a new ID card, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For vehicle registration or title transfer, bring the vehicle's current registration, proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, you will also need proof of a smog inspection and proof of insurance.

The DMV website lists specific documents for each transaction type. Before your appointment, visit dmv.ca.gov, search for your transaction, and review the full list. Bringing incomplete documents will delay your visit or require you to reschedule.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time. Check in at the front desk and provide your appointment confirmation number or ID. You will be called when it is your turn, usually within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time, though wait times vary.

A DMV representative will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and process your request. For driver's license or ID renewals, you will have your photo taken. For vehicle transactions, the representative will verify ownership and registration details. Most transactions take 20 to 45 minutes once you are called.

If your documents are incomplete or incorrect, the representative will tell you what is missing. You may be able to correct it on the spot, or you may need to reschedule. Ask the representative for clarification before you leave so you know exactly what to bring next time.

Getting your documents after your visit

Driver's licenses and ID cards are mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that you can use until the card arrives. Vehicle registration documents are also mailed, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.

If you do not receive your documents within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your appointment date and confirmation number ready. The DMV can tell you whether your documents were mailed and provide tracking information if available.

Online and mail alternatives to visiting in person

Many DMV transactions can be completed online without visiting an office. Address changes, license renewals (if you are under 70 and your license is not expired), and vehicle registration renewals can all be done at dmv.ca.gov. Online transactions are usually processed within 1 to 2 weeks.

Some transactions can also be completed by mail. The DMV website provides mail-in forms for address changes, registration renewals, and title transfers. Mail processing takes longer than in-person or online — typically 4 to 6 weeks — so plan accordingly if you have a important date.

If you are unable to visit the San Francisco office and your transaction cannot be done online or by mail, you may be able to use a DMV office in another part of the Bay Area or California. All DMV offices handle the same transactions, so you can schedule an appointment at a location more convenient to you.

Common issues and how to resolve them

If your appointment is cancelled or you cannot make it, reschedule as soon as possible through dmv.ca.gov or by phone. Cancelling without rescheduling may result in a longer wait for your next available appointment.

If you arrive late to your appointment, you may be turned away and asked to reschedule. The DMV schedules appointments tightly, so arriving on time is important. If you are running late, call the office directly to let them know — the number is listed on your appointment confirmation.

If you have questions about your specific transaction before your appointment, call 1-800-777-0133 or visit dmv.ca.gov and use the "Ask DMV" feature. Providing details about your situation in advance can help you prepare the correct documents and avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. The San Francisco DMV requires appointments for all transactions. Walk-ins are not accepted. You must schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by phone at 1-800-777-0133 before visiting either office.

How far in advance do I need to schedule an appointment?

Availability varies by season and transaction type. During busy periods, appointments may be available 4 to 8 weeks in advance. During slower periods, you may find appointments within 1 to 2 weeks. Check dmv.ca.gov to see current availability for your preferred date and location.

What if I need to renew my license but it has already expired?

Expired licenses cannot be renewed online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Schedule an appointment at either the Fell Street or Hawthorne Street location and bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Can I change my address without visiting the DMV?

Yes. You can change your address online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using the address change form, or in person at a DMV office. Online changes are processed within 1 to 2 weeks. Mail changes take 4 to 6 weeks.

What if I lose my appointment confirmation number?

You can look up your appointment by logging into your DMV online account at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver's license number or ID number ready. The representative can confirm your appointment date and time.