Where the Winona DMV is Located

The Winona Driver and Vehicle Services office is located at 1630 Gilmore Avenue, Winona, Minnesota 55987. This is the only full-service DMV location in Winona County. The office handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and initial applications, as well as vehicle registration and title services.

Winona is in southeastern Minnesota, roughly 40 miles south of Rochester and 120 miles southeast of Minneapolis. If you live in Winona County and need in-person DMV services, this is your primary location. The office is not in the downtown area but is accessible by car from most parts of the city.

Hours and Contact Information

The Winona DMV is open Monday through Friday. Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should confirm current hours before making the trip, as hours can change seasonally or due to staffing. The office is closed on state and federal holidays.

You can reach the Winona office by phone at 507-457-6300. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether a specific service is available that day. The Minnesota DMV also maintains a statewide information line at 651-297-2126 for general questions about driver's licenses and vehicle registration.

For online services that do not require an in-person visit — such as renewing your driver's license or vehicle registration if you are not changing your address — visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website at sos.state.mn.us. Many transactions can be completed online or by mail without going to the office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winona DMV is located at 1630 Gilmore Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • You can call the office at 507-457-6300 to confirm hours, ask about required documents, or check wait times before visiting.
  • Many driver's license and vehicle registration services can be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website without visiting in person.
  • If you cannot visit Winona, other DMV locations in nearby counties may serve your needs, though Winona County residents typically use the Winona office.

What Services Are Available at the Winona Office

The Winona DMV handles the full range of driver's license services, including new applications, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, and address changes. If you need to renew your license in person rather than online, this is where you come. The office also processes REAL ID-compliant licenses if you need one for federal travel or building access.

Vehicle services at Winona include registration renewals, new registrations for vehicles you have just purchased, title transfers, and duplicate title requests. If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller, you will need to register it and obtain a title in your name — the Winona office handles both. The office also processes vehicle registration address changes if you have moved.

The Winona location does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or issuance. CDL services are centralized at other Minnesota locations. If you need a CDL, you will need to travel to a testing facility outside Winona County.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

For a driver's license renewal or replacement, bring your current license or a valid form of identification, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are explore for a REAL ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

For vehicle registration or title services, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of your address. If you are registering a vehicle you just purchased, bring the bill of sale or purchase agreement from the seller. If the vehicle is financed, bring documentation from your lender showing they hold the title.

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most services. If you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted, call the Winona office at 507-457-6300 before you visit.

Wait Times and Busy Periods

The Winona DMV typically experiences longer wait times on Mondays and Fridays, as well as mid-month when many people renew registrations. Early morning visits, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter waits. If you can visit on a weekday afternoon, you may also encounter fewer people.

During the first week of the month and around vehicle registration renewal important date, the office can become crowded. If you have flexibility in when you visit, avoiding these peak times will reduce your wait. You can also call ahead to ask about current wait times before making the trip.

The Winona office does not use an online appointment system, so service is first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you need to complete your transaction on a specific day.

Online and Mail-In Alternatives

Many DMV transactions do not require an in-person visit. Driver's license renewals can be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address. Vehicle registration renewals can also be renewed online or by mail if you are not making changes to the registration.

If you are changing your address, you can often do so online for your driver's license without visiting the office. For vehicle registration address changes, you can mail in the updated information along with your current registration. The Secretary of State website provides instructions for mail-in services and lists which transactions can be completed online.

Using online or mail-in services can save you a trip to Winona, particularly if you live outside the city or have limited availability during office hours. Check the Secretary of State website to see whether your specific transaction qualifies for remote processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online instead of going to the Winona DMV?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, you can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Online renewal is faster and does not require a visit to the office. If your license has expired or you need to update your address, you will need to visit in person.

What do I do if I need a REAL ID license?

The Winona DMV issues REAL ID-compliant licenses. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), proof of your address, and your Social Security number. REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. Call 507-457-6300 to confirm the office has the documents you plan to bring.

How long does it take to register a vehicle I just bought?

Registration typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents and the office is not busy. Bring the bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of your address, and your Social Security number. Wait times vary, so call ahead to ask about current volume before visiting.

Is there a DMV location closer to me if I live outside Winona?

Winona County has only one full-service DMV location. If you live in a neighboring county, you may have a closer office in your own county. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for other locations, or call 651-297-2126 for information about the nearest office to your address.

Can I get a duplicate title for my vehicle by mail?

Yes, you can request a duplicate title by mail. Contact the Winona DMV at 507-457-6300 for the mailing address and required documents. Mail-in title requests typically take two to four weeks to process. If you need the title urgently, visiting in person is faster.