Location and Hours at the Mission Office

The Mission Driver License Office is located in San Francisco at 1377 Mission Street, between 9th and 10th Streets. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. There is no Saturday service at this location.

Parking near the Mission office is street parking only; there is no dedicated lot. Public transit access is direct via BART (16th Street Station) and multiple Muni bus lines. If you are driving, arrive early because street parking fills quickly during business hours.

This office handles standard driver license and identification card services for San Francisco residents and those renewing or replacing licenses issued in this region. It is not a commercial driver license (CDL) testing site; CDL applicants must go to the San Francisco CDL office on South Van Ness Avenue.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mission office is at 1377 Mission Street and is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend hours.
  • You can reach the office by BART at 16th Street Station or by Muni bus; street parking is the only option nearby.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents required for your specific transaction (renewal, replacement, or new license).
  • This office does not handle commercial driver license testing; those applicants must visit the South Van Ness CDL office.
  • Wait times vary by day and time; mornings and early afternoons typically have shorter lines than late afternoon.

Services Available at This Location

The Mission office issues, renews, and replaces standard California driver licenses and identification cards. You can renew an expiring license, replace a lost or damaged license, change your address, add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or air brake), and update your name or gender marker. The office also handles Real ID upgrades for those with standard licenses who want federal-compliant identification.

Vision tests are performed on-site. If you fail the vision screening, you will be asked to see an eye care professional and return with a vision correction form. Written tests for new drivers are also administered here, though you must have a valid appointment or arrive early enough to be seen before closing.

The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing, hazmat endorsements, or school bus endorsements. It also does not process out-of-state license transfers on the same day; those require a separate appointment at a different facility.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring your current California driver license or ID card, or a valid passport if you do not have one. You will also need proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address will work. A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required.

If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report number if you have one (not required, but speeds the process). If you are changing your name or gender marker, bring a certified court order, marriage certificate, or other legal document proving the change.

For Real ID upgrades, bring your current license plus one document proving citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and one document proving your current address. Do not bring originals of important documents unless absolutely necessary; bring certified copies instead.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard driver license renewal costs $39 and is valid for five years. A replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $29. A Real ID upgrade costs an additional $26 on top of the renewal or replacement fee. Identification cards (non-driver) cost $29 for a five-year card.

The Mission office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself; online or phone payments are not available at the office counter.

Fees are set by California and do not vary by location. If you are a senior (62 or older) or a person with a disability, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee; ask the staff when you arrive.

Wait Times and When to Visit

Wait times at the Mission office typically range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the day and time. Mornings between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. are usually the shortest; late afternoons (after 3:00 p.m.) are often the longest. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less busy than Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The office does not take reservations for walk-in services. You will receive a number when you arrive and wait in the order you checked in. If you need a written test or vision test, arrive at least 45 minutes before closing to may support you are seen.

During peak times (lunch hours and late afternoon), the office may stop accepting new customers 15 to 30 minutes before closing to clear the queue. If you arrive close to 5:00 p.m., you risk not being served that day.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. A staff member will review your documents, verify your information in the California DMV system, and take a new photo for your license or ID card. The photo is taken when ready; you cannot use your own photo.

If you are renewing or replacing, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while you wait. If you are upgrading to Real ID, the process is the same, but the card will arrive with a gold star in the top right corner.

If you are taking a written test or vision test, you will be directed to a testing area. Written tests are administered on a computer; you have a set time limit (usually 6 minutes for a 36-question test). Vision tests are quick and performed by staff using a machine.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason for rejection is missing or incorrect proof of residency. A utility bill must show your name and current address; a bank statement with a PO Box will not work. If your name on your ID does not match your residency proof, bring a legal document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) explaining the change.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN. Without it, you cannot complete your transaction. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS instead.

If you are a new driver taking a written test, study the California Driver Handbook before you arrive. The office does not provide study materials on-site. You can read the handbook free from the California DMV website.

Do not bring children unless they are also getting a license or ID; the office has limited seating and no childcare. Do not bring original documents (birth certificates, passports) unless you are changing your name or gender marker; certified copies are safer and faster to process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

You can renew online if your license is not expiring within the next 30 days, you have no medical conditions, and you have not had any address changes. If you do not meet these conditions, you must visit the office in person. Check the California DMV website to see if you are may be able to access for online renewal.

What if I fail the vision test?

You will be given a vision correction form to take to an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist). They will complete the form and sign it. Return to the Mission office with the completed form, and your license will be issued. You do not need a new appointment; bring the form on your next visit.

How long does a Real ID upgrade take?

The upgrade is processed the same day, and your Real ID card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. Real ID cards have a gold star and can be used for federal travel and building access.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Mission office operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most services. You do not need an appointment. However, if you are taking a written test for a new driver license, you should call ahead to confirm the office is administering tests that day, as some days are reserved for other services.

What if my address changed but I do not have a recent utility bill?

Bring any document dated within 60 days showing your name and new address: a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail. If you just moved and have no documents yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement instead.