Winona's DMV Services Are Handled at the Driver and Vehicle Services Office

Winona does not have a full Department of Motor Vehicles building. Instead, the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in Winona handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and updates, plus vehicle registration and title work. The office is located at 1630 Gilmore Avenue, Winona, MN 55987, and it operates as a state satellite location rather than a county courthouse annex.

This single office serves Winona residents and surrounding areas in Winona County. If you need to renew your license, get a new ID, register a vehicle, or update your address on your registration, you come here. The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or road tests for regular licenses — those happen at separate locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services office in Winona is at 1630 Gilmore Avenue and handles licenses, IDs, registration, and title work.
  • You can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
  • Vehicle registration renewals can be done online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at the Winona DVS office.
  • Road tests for driver's licenses are scheduled through a separate testing contractor and do not happen at the Winona office.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any relevant vehicle documents when visiting in person to avoid extra trips.

Driver's License Renewal and Replacement in Winona

Minnesota allows most driver's license renewals by mail or online without visiting the office. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if your license is not expired, you have not had a medical suspension, and you have not changed your name or address. The online renewal takes a few minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.

If you cannot renew online — because your license expired more than a year ago, you need to update your address, or you want a Real ID-compliant license — you must visit the Winona DVS office in person or renew by mail. In-person renewal is faster and lets you get your new photo taken the same day. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement in person at the Winona office. Bring your ID and proof of residency. A replacement license costs less than a renewal and arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.

Vehicle Registration and Title Services at the Winona Office

The Winona DVS office handles new vehicle registrations, registration renewals, title transfers, and address changes on your registration. You can renew your vehicle registration online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your vehicle has a current title in Minnesota and you have not had any violations or suspensions tied to it. Online renewal takes a few minutes and you receive your new registration sticker by mail.

If you cannot renew online — because you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, you need to transfer a title from another state, or you are changing your address — visit the Winona office in person. Bring your current registration, proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of residency, and your driver's license. If the vehicle is financed, bring a letter from your lender showing they hold the lien. Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive your new registration sticker and title documents by mail within one to two weeks.

Hours, Contact Information, and What to Bring

The Winona Driver and Vehicle Services office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You can call ahead at the office to confirm current hours or ask questions about what documents you need. The phone number is available through the Minnesota Secretary of State website under DVS office locations.

Bring your current ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and any vehicle documents relevant to your task. If you are doing title work, bring the current title or bill of sale. If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring proof of citizenship. Arriving early in the day, especially on Mondays and Fridays, usually means shorter wait times.

The office does not accept appointments, so service is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the office is very busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Checking the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go can sometimes show current wait times.

Road Tests and CDL Services Are Not Available in Winona

The Winona DVS office does not administer road tests for regular driver's licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Road tests are scheduled through a separate contractor, and testing locations in southern Minnesota include Rochester and other nearby cities. You must schedule your road test through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling the testing contractor directly.

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must pass a written knowledge test and a road test at an approved testing site. The Winona office can provide information about where to test, but the actual testing happens elsewhere. Plan ahead, because testing slots fill up, especially during busy seasons.

Address Changes and License Updates

If you move within Minnesota, you must update your address on your driver's license and vehicle registration. You can update your license address online through the Secretary of State website if you have not changed your name and your license is not expired. The update is free and takes a few minutes.

To update your vehicle registration address, you can do so online, by mail, or in person at the Winona office. Online is the fastest option and costs nothing. If you update in person, bring your current registration, proof of your new address, and your driver's license. The new registration sticker arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online if I live in Winona?

Yes, if your license is not expired, you have not had a medical suspension, and you have not changed your name or address. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and complete the renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at the Winona DVS office or by mail.

How long does it take to get a new registration sticker after I renew at the Winona office?

Your new registration sticker and documents arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need the sticker sooner, ask the staff at the office whether they can print a temporary registration for you to use while you wait for the permanent one.

What do I need to bring if I am registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota?

Bring your current title or bill of sale, proof of ownership, proof of residency, your driver's license, and proof of insurance. If the vehicle is financed, bring a letter from your lender showing they hold the lien. The staff at the Winona office can tell you if you are missing anything before you leave.

Where do I schedule a road test for my driver's license?

Road tests are scheduled through a separate contractor, not at the Winona DVS office. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call the testing contractor to find available times and locations near you. Testing slots fill up, so schedule as soon as you are ready.

Is there a way to avoid waiting at the Winona office?

The office does not take appointments and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the day or mid-week usually means shorter waits. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go to see if current wait times are posted.