What the Winona DMV handles and where it is located

The Winona DMV is a Minnesota Department of Public Safety office that issues driver's licenses, state ID cards, and vehicle registration documents. It also handles written tests, road tests, and license renewals. The office is located at 1630 Gilmore Avenue, Winona, Minnesota 55987.

This is a full-service DMV branch, meaning you can walk in for most common transactions without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized vehicle titles — those require a trip to a larger regional office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winona DMV is located at 1630 Gilmore Avenue and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and road tests.
  • You can walk in without an appointment for most services, but you will wait longer during mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents related to the specific transaction you need — the staff can tell you what else is required when you call ahead.
  • If you need a road test, you must schedule it in advance by phone or through the Minnesota DMV website.
  • The office is closed on Sundays and observes all state holidays, so check the calendar before you go.

Hours and how to contact the Winona office

The Winona DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and all Minnesota state holidays. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays, though you can still be served if you are already in line.

You can reach the Winona office by phone at (507) 457-6300. Staff can tell you what documents you need for your specific transaction, confirm whether you need an appointment, and let you know current wait times. Calling ahead is especially useful if you are renewing a license or registering a vehicle for the first time, because the required documents vary based on your situation.

What documents to bring for a driver's license or ID card

For a new driver's license or state ID card, bring your current valid ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), proof of your Minnesota residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing a license that is not expired or expiring within 30 days, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Minnesota DMV website — the staff at the Winona office can tell you whether you are may be able to access when you call. If you must renew in person, bring your current license and proof of residency.

For a duplicate license (if yours was lost or stolen), bring your current ID and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee, which varies depending on how long your license is valid for.

What documents to bring for vehicle registration and title

To register a vehicle or explore for a title, bring the vehicle's bill of sale or previous title, proof of ownership, proof of Minnesota residency, and your driver's license or state ID. If the vehicle is financed, bring the lien holder's information as well.

If you are registering a vehicle you just bought from a private seller, bring the signed bill of sale and the seller's title. If you are transferring a title from another state, bring the out-of-state title and proof that you own the vehicle. The Winona office staff can walk you through which documents you need based on your specific situation — call ahead if you are unsure.

Vehicle registration fees and title fees depend on the vehicle's weight, age, and type. The staff can quote you a price when you call or when you arrive.

Scheduling a road test at Winona

Road tests must be scheduled in advance. You cannot walk in and take a test the same day. To schedule, call the Winona DMV at (507) 457-6300 or book online through the Minnesota DMV website. Tests are typically available within two to four weeks, though availability changes seasonally.

When you arrive for your test, bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is not working, the test will be rescheduled.

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will be asked to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. If you pass, you will receive your license that day or within a few days by mail, depending on whether you are also getting a new photo.

Written tests and what to study

Written tests for a learner's permit or driver's license are offered at the Winona DMV during regular hours. You do not need to schedule in advance — walk in during business hours and ask to take the test. The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

Study materials are available free on the Minnesota DMV website, including the official driver's manual and practice tests. The written test is 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Bring your current ID and proof of residency when you come to take the test. There is a fee for the test, which the staff will tell you when you arrive.

Wait times and the best times to visit

Wait times at the Winona DMV are shortest early in the morning (8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and late in the afternoon (after 4:00 p.m.). Mid-morning (9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and early afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.) are typically the busiest times. Saturdays are usually less crowded than weekdays, though the office is only open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you have a straightforward transaction like renewing a license or registering a vehicle you already own, you will usually be served within 15 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours. If you need a new license with a photo or are handling a complex title issue, plan for 45 minutes to an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You may be able to renew online through the Minnesota DMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you can renew by mail or in person at the Winona office. Call (507) 457-6300 to find out which option applies to you.

What if I need a commercial driver's license?

The Winona DMV does not offer CDL testing. You will need to go to a larger regional office, such as the one in Rochester or St. Paul. Call (507) 457-6300 and ask which office handles CDL testing and how to schedule an appointment.

Do I need an appointment for a road test?

Yes. Road tests must be scheduled in advance by calling (507) 457-6300 or booking online through the Minnesota DMV website. You cannot walk in and take a test the same day. Appointments are typically available within two to four weeks.

What if I lost my vehicle title?

You can request a duplicate title at the Winona DMV. Bring your driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale or insurance card). There is a fee for a duplicate title, which the staff will tell you when you arrive.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

The Minnesota DMV offers written tests in several languages. Call the Winona office at (507) 457-6300 to ask which languages are available and whether you need to schedule in advance.