San Francisco DMV - San Francisco, California

Jo V

I went to get my real ID. I was not able to register for a DMV account online because of my passport so I had to go in a wait in the queue. I got there at 9:30am and got out by 12:30.

First of all you don’t need to make an appointment, you can just arrive. They favour people with appointments to go in first, but once you are in that is where the wait starts. You get a number given to you and there are screens showing you where the numbers are currently and where to queue. You need to wait for your number.

I spent 3.5 hours here to get a REAL ID. If I had an appointment I would probably also spend 3 hours here. They have a lot of people they see.

If you apply for a real ID: Have all your printed documents with you!!

There is a printing facility at the cafe across the street.

The people here are not very friendly and the experience is not that great, but luckily it got done.

Jiuling Yang

I'm writing to inform everyone that if you complete the eLearning course online from home, your information and payment won’t be updated in their system until the next day. The lady at Window 23 was very kind and tried to help, but unfortunately, I had to go back again. Their manager came and said I should have read the instructions on the website more carefully. I revisited the website and the completion notification, but it was not mentioned anywhere.

Ernesto Aguilar

I went to get my Real ID without an appointment since they were booked out until December. I arrived at about 8:10 AM on a Monday and there was a line of about 30 people already queued up in the no appointment line. I was expecting to wait a long time, but I was out by 8:40. The workers were very efficient and friendly. I spent no more than 10 minutes outside waiting in line before I was given my number and allowed into the waiting area. The worker verifying my documents was very professional and friendly. The worker at the camera was also very sweet. I was very impressed by this DMV's efficiency. My visit broke every negative stereotype of the DMV there is. It was wonderful.

Tanner P

Took around 2 hours to get a real ID with an appointment on a weekday morning.
They see a LOT of people at this location; most of the time spent is just waiting, once you're actually with someone helping you it goes very quickly. Worth checking other reviews for how to save your spot in line ahead of time - had no idea this was a thing and it would have made a big difference!
Staff were very helpful and kind; no problems ironing out random ID-related details during my appointment (registration update, address update etc)
Honestly a lot better than your average DMV! Especially given the volume of people moving through

Val B

Very long wait times. TIP: reserve your spot in line online via their official website starting 9 am the day of your visit. My number was B030 and I was 20th in line - it took almost 4 hours to get to my number. Get here when you are 10th - 5th in line to save yourself time. Appointments are usually taken months in advance.

Vid Anna

I am absolutely delighted! Today, on 06.21.24, we were at the DMV bright and early for my parents' ID renewal without an appointment. I know, not the best plan, but that's how things unfolded. The woman at window 23 was simply outstanding!!! Thank you so much! You truly brightened our day. Your kindness, professionalism, and sense of humor made the entire experience not just bearable but enjoyable. It's rare to encounter such exceptional service. We sincerely appreciate you!!!! ?

Patrick

Facility reminds me of something from the Soviet Union, as do the lazy, slovenly, incompetent, and rude staff. Awful. An embarrassment and an example of state and local government at its worst.

R Butler

While i enjoy the employees keeping the self entitled in check, it is still unclear why it takes at least 2 hours to execute a simple real ID DL/ID.

Rodney