If you are planning a trip to the San Francisco DMV on Fell Street, you need a battle plan. This is one of the busiest DMV offices in the state, located right in the heart of the Panhandle.
The parking lot is notoriously tight, the lines often wrap around the block before 8:00 AM, and “appointments” can sometimes still involve a wait.
However, if you know the secrets—like using the “Express Experience” for Real ID or visiting during the “magic window” on Wednesday mornings—you can get in and out in under an hour. This guide covers everything from parking hacks to the specific services this branch offers (and what they don’t offer).
San Francisco DMV Fell Street: Location, Hours & What Services Are NOT Available
- Official Location: 1377 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Hours:
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Opens Late!)
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Services NOT Offered Here:
- CDL Road Skills Tests: Do not come here for a commercial driving test. You must go to a Commercial Drive Test Center (like Fremont or Gardena).
- Motorcycle Skills Test: This location does not have a motorcycle range.
How to Schedule a San Francisco DMV Appointment
You have two main ways to book a visit. We highly recommend Option A if you can wait.
Option A: The Future Appointment (Best for Real ID & Tests)
- Visit the Portal: Go to the California DMV Appointment Scheduler.
- Select Service: Choose “Driver License/ID” or “Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test.”
- Location: Select “San Francisco” (Fell Street).
- Timing: Appointments here book out 3-4 weeks in advance.
- Pro-Tip: If you need something sooner, check Daly City (1500 Sullivan Ave) or Corte Madera (usually less crowded).
Option B: The “Get in Line” Feature (Same-Day) If you need to go today, check the DMV website between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Look for the “Get in Line” button on the San Francisco office page.
- Warning: Because the Fell Street office is so busy, this feature is frequently turned off to manage crowds. If the button is gone, you must walk in and join the physical line.
DMV Real ID Express Experience: Skip the Line at Fell Street
If you are applying for a Real ID (the one with the bear and star), do not just walk in with your papers.
- Upload First: Start your application online at the DMV Real ID Portal.
- Scan Your Docs: Upload photos of your Proof of Identity (Passport) and Residency (Utility Bill).
- Get Your Code: You will receive a Confirmation Code.
- The “Start Here” Window: When you arrive at Fell Street, show this code at the “Start Here” window. You often get to skip the long data-entry line because your info is already in the system.
Where to Park Near the San Francisco DMV (Local Tips to Avoid Towing)
The parking lot at 1377 Fell Street is tiny and chaotic. Accidents are common. Here is where locals park:
- The “Panhandle” Strategy: Look for street parking along Baker Street (which runs perpendicular to the DMV). It has angled parking spaces which are easier to find than parallel spots on Fell.
- Avoid the Grocery Stores: Do NOT park in the lucky/supermarket parking lots nearby. They monitor aggressively and will tow DMV customers.
- Street Sweeping: Watch the signs carefully. This neighborhood strictly enforces street sweeping rules.
San Francisco DMV Wait Times: Best and Worst Times to Visit
- Average Wait (Appointment): 15 – 30 minutes.
- Average Wait (Walk-In): 60 – 120 minutes.
The “Magic Windows”:
- Wednesday Morning (9:00 AM): Since the office opens an hour late, the “rush” is often slightly delayed. If you line up at 8:30 AM, you can be one of the first inside.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): The office stops letting people in at 5:00 PM sharp, but the line often dies down around 4:00 PM as the lunch crowd clears out.
What Services Does San Francisco DMV Offer? (Plus the AAA Alternative)
Services at Fell Street:
- Real ID & Driver’s License Applications
- Class C (Car) Driving Tests
- Vehicle Registration & Title Transfers
- Disabled Placards
The AAA Alternative (Skip the DMV): If you are a AAA member, do not go to Fell Street for simple registration stickers.
- Location: AAA San Francisco (on Potrero Ave or Geary Blvd).
- Benefit: You can walk in and get your tags in 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! California now allows you to take the written knowledge test online at home (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm). You still have to visit the office to finish your application, but you skip the stress of taking the test in a crowded room.
No. This office is closed on weekends.
The test itself is about 15-20 minutes. You will drive through the Panhandle neighborhood. Watch out for bike lanes on Fell and Oak streets—failing to check the bike lane before turning is an automatic fail.
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