Consulate General of El Salvador in San Francisco
The Salvadoran consular office in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Consulate General of El Salvador in San Francisco is located in the heart of Civic Center, on Polk Street, just steps from City Hall and the area's main public transit lines. This office serves the Salvadoran community of Northern California, a region where thousands of nationals have settled, especially in San Francisco's Mission District —the city's historic Latino neighborhood— as well as in Oakland, San Jose, Daly City, Richmond and the Bay Area counties. The Mission has been a gathering place for the Central American diaspora for decades, with pupuserias, bakeries and Salvadoran businesses that keep the culture alive on the West Coast.
The Bay Area economy, shaped by Silicon Valley's tech sector and a huge demand for services, has drawn a hardworking Salvadoran community that works in construction, hospitality, caregiving, landscaping and professional services. For all of them, this consulate is the go-to place to renew a passport, process the DUI (national ID card), register births, or grant powers of attorney and notarial acts without having to travel to another state. Its jurisdiction covers Northern California, so it also assists Salvadorans in Sacramento, Fresno and the farming communities of the Central Valley.
Contact information for the Salvadoran consulate in San Francisco
Address: 507 Polk Street, Suite 280, San Francisco, CA 94102
City: San Francisco (Civic Center)
State: California
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Email: consuladosanfrancisco@rree.gob.sv
Phone: (415) 771-8524
Official website: consuladosanfrancisco.rree.gob.sv
Days and public service hours
IMPORTANT: Service is by appointment only. Confirm the hours and both Salvadoran and U.S. holidays before you go.
Services for Salvadorans in Northern California
- Salvadoran passport: First issuance and renewal for adults and minors.
- DUI (Documento Único de Identidad – national ID card): Issuance, renewal and replacement for Bay Area residents.
- Civil registry: Registration of births of children of Salvadorans born in California.
- Records and certifications: Requests for birth, marriage and death certificates.
- Powers of attorney and notarial acts: To manage property, inheritances or paperwork in El Salvador from San Francisco.
- Apostille and legalization: Validation of documents for use in El Salvador.
- Minor's ID card (carné de minoridad): Identity document for Salvadoran minors.
- Consular assistance: Support in cases of detention, hospitalization or emergency in Northern California.
How to book an appointment at the San Francisco consulate
The appointment is mandatory and free. It is handled online through the official portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Create your account, select United States > California > Consulate of San Francisco and choose the service and the date that works best for you.
If you have trouble with the portal or prefer assistance by phone, you can contact the consular Call Center:
- Call Center: 1-888-301-1130, option 4.
- WhatsApp: +503 7070-1071.
Frequently asked questions – Consulate of El Salvador in San Francisco
Which Salvadorans does the San Francisco consulate serve?
The consulate serves the Salvadoran community of Northern California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Daly City, Sacramento, Fresno and the communities of the Central Valley and the Bay Area. For Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego), the Los Angeles Consulate is the one in charge.
How do I get to the consulate by BART from Oakland or the East Bay?
Take any BART line heading into San Francisco and get off at the Civic Center/UN Plaza station. From there, the consulate at 507 Polk Street is about a two-block walk. It is the fastest and most affordable way to get in from the East Bay without dealing with city parking.
Can I apply for the DUI (national ID card) for the first time in San Francisco?
Yes. The consulate issues the DUI for first-time applicants as well as for renewal and replacement. For a first issuance you will need to present your Salvadoran birth certificate; book the appointment under the DUI service in the portal and review the list of requirements before you go.
Is there parking near the consulate in Civic Center?
Street parking around Polk Street is scarce and time-limited. The most practical option is to use the paid Civic Center garages, such as the Civic Center Plaza Garage or the Performing Arts Garage. If you can, the easiest option is to come by BART or Muni.
Do I have to pay for the appointment at the San Francisco consulate?
The appointment itself is free and is booked at portalcitas.rree.gob.sv. What has a cost is the service (for example, the passport or the DUI), which is paid on the day of your visit. Confirm the current fees and accepted payment methods when you schedule your appointment.
What should I do if I can't find an available appointment or need urgent help?
Check the portal often, since slots open up from cancellations. For assistance, call the consular Call Center at 1-888-301-1130 (option 4) or message via WhatsApp at +503 7070-1071. For emergencies within the jurisdiction (detention, hospitalization), contact the consulate directly.