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Get Your California Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

We provide the physician-signed forms required for your medical window tint exemption.

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Medical window tint exemption in California

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See why our clients recommend us as their trusted partner in medical window tint exemption evaluation.

  • I was recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t drive to a clinic. This platform made everything so easy—I had my evaluation from home and received my DMV. I truly felt supported throughout the process.

    Ana R. — Texas

    4.8 out of 5 stars
  • I spoke to a licensed doctor online and had my documents ready without leaving home. It was fast, clear, and respectful.

    James T. — California

    4.7 out of 5 stars
  • The team walked me through every step, and now I can park safely and legally. It gave me back some independence.

    Jack C. – Florida

    4.8 out of 5 stars

Common Conditions That Qualify for Medical Tint Exemption

  • Autoimmune disorders icon

    Autoimmune Disorders

    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
    • Discoid and Cutaneous Lupus
    • Dermatomyositis (Classic/Juvenile)
    • Scleroderma and Mixed Connective
    • Other Photosensitive Autoimmune
  • Skin disorders icon

    Skin Disorders

    • Total or Facial Vitiligo
    • Chronic Actinic Dermatitis
    • Photosensitive Eczema Types
    • Solar Urticaria (Sun Allergy)
    • Polymorphous Light Eruption
  • Eye conditions icon

    Eye Conditions

    • Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
    • Cataracts and Glaucoma
    • Macular Degeneration Issues
    • Retinitis Pigmentosa Types
    • Post-Surgery Light Sensitivity
  • Neurological pain icon

    Neurological Pain

    • Chronic Migraines (Light-Triggered)
    • Migraine-Associated Photophobia
    • Cluster Headaches with Aura
    • Post-Concussion Light Sensitivity
    • Neurological Light Intolerance
  • Genetic conditions icon

    Genetic Conditions

    • Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP Types)
    • Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA)
    • Porphyria / Erythropoietic Proto
    • Cockayne Syndrome Variants
    • Bloom Syndrome and Related
  • Drug photosensitivity icon

    Drug Photosensitivity

    • Tetracycline Antibiotics (Doxy)
    • Chemotherapy Medications
    • Retinoids Like Isotretinoin
    • NSAIDs and Diuretics
    • Psychiatric/Cardiac Medications

California: Everything You Need to Know

  • California Window Tint Exemption Laws

    California's medical window tint exemption is governed by California Vehicle Code Section 26708.

    • California does not require DMV registration or issuance of a state certificate for window tint exemptions.
    • The exemption is tied to the individual, not the vehicle, and may be used in any vehicle operated by the certificate holder.
    • Documentation must be kept in the driver's possession or within the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement upon request.
    • The statute provides two distinct exemption pathways for individuals with documented medical conditions requiring protection from sunlight or ultraviolet radiation.

    Sun Screening Devices Exemption:

    • Permits the installation of sun screening devices on the side windows adjacent to the front seat.
    • Requires written certification from a licensed physician and surgeon (for medical conditions) or a licensed optometrist (for visual conditions).
    • Devices must comply with technical specifications outlined in CVC §26708.2.

    UV-Protective Film Exemption:

    • Permits the installation of clear, colorless, and transparent UV-blocking film on the windshield, side windows, and rear windows.
    • Requires written certification from a licensed dermatologist.
    • Film must maintain minimum 88% visible light transmittance and meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205.
  • Documents You'll Need

    To legally operate a vehicle with medical window tint in California, you must possess one of the following:

    • For Sun Screening Devices: A letter or document signed by a licensed physician, surgeon or optometrist certifying that the individual must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition.
    • For UV-Protective Film: A certificate signed by a licensed dermatologist certifying that the individual should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays because of a medical condition that necessitates clear, colorless, and transparent film material to be installed on the windshield, side, or rear windows.

    If applying through TintedMD, your evaluation is completed entirely online. You will receive:

    • A physician-signed certification letter delivered electronically, ready to keep in your vehicle and present at inspection

    Note:

    California does not require a standardized DMV form for window tint exemptions. The physician's signed letter or certificate is the complete legal documentation required under CVC §26708.

  • Legal Tint Limits

    California Vehicle Code Section 26708.5 sets baseline tint limits for all drivers. Medical exemptions under CVC §26708 allow qualifying patients to exceed these limits on approved windows when physician documentation is in the vehicle.

    Standard California Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

    • Windshield: Non-reflective tint permitted only on the top 4 inches. No tint below this strip.
    • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% VLT combined (factory glass plus film). Aftermarket film alone must allow at least 88% VLT.
    • Rear Side Windows: Any darkness permitted.
    • Rear Window: Any darkness permitted when the vehicle has dual side mirrors.

    Medical Exemption Technical Requirements:

    Sun Screening Devices Technical Requirements:

    • Applicable Windows: Side windows on either side of the vehicle's front seat only
    • Mounting: Devices must allow ready removal (frame, rigid material with temporary fasteners, or flexible roller shade)
    • Transparent Devices: Must be green, gray, or neutral smoke in color; minimum 35% visible light transmittance
    • Louvered Devices: Minimum 35% open area; no louver exceeding 3/16 inch projected vertical dimension
    • Reflectivity: Must not exceed 35% on either inner or outer surface
    • Time Restriction: Devices shall not be used during darkness

    UV-Protective Film Technical Requirements:

    • Applicable Windows: Windshield, side windows, and rear windows
    • Film Characteristics: Must be clear, colorless, and transparent
    • Light Transmittance: Minimum 88% visible light transmittance for the material; minimum 70% combined transmittance (glass + film) per FMVSS No. 205
    • Purpose: Must be designed and manufactured to block ultraviolet A rays
    • Maintenance: Film that tears, bubbles, or becomes worn must be removed or replaced
    • Time Restriction: None – permitted for daytime and nighttime use

How to Get Your Doctor-Signed Exemption Form

  • See If You Qualify (5 minutes)

    Answer simple questions about your qualifying condition to confirm eligibility for a medical window tint exemption.

  • Complete Medical Questionnaire

    Fill out your medical history questionnaire – all online, from any device.

  • Licensed Doctor Evaluation

    California-licensed physician will conduct your medical evaluation and review your condition.

  • Your Certification Is Generated

    Your physician-signed exemption letter will be completed, signed, and uploaded to your patient portal.

  • Get Your Signed Exemption Form

    Download and print your physician-signed exemption certificate to keep in your vehicle. We're also happy to mail it to you.

Why Do People Choose TintedMD?

FASTEST & CHEAPEST

TintedMD Today

Traditional Doctor Route

15-min online evaluation
Wait 2-4 weeks for doctor
Licensed California physician
$150-300 office visit
Pre-filled DMV forms
Wait for mailed forms

Total: 1-2 days

Total: 3-6 weeks

  • 100% Money-Back Guarantee

    If our licensed physician doesn’t approve your evaluation, you don’t pay.

  • Flexible Payment Options

    Lowest cost in the US with interest-free payment plans available.

  • Fast Same-Day Processing

    Most patients receive their signed forms within hours, not days.

  • Licensed California Physicians Only

    Board-certified doctors licensed to practice in California.

  • HIPAA Compliant & Secure

    Your medical information is protected by federal privacy laws.

  • State-Approved Documentation

    All documentation meets California Vehicle Code Section 26708 requirements.

Benefits of Having a Medical Tint Exemption

Legal Protection

Drive with a darker tint legally. Your exemption certificate protects you from window tint violations and fines during traffic stops.

No Renewal Required

Your California exemption certificate has no expiration date, it's valid for the lifetime of your vehicle ownership.

benefit feature image

UV Protection

Block harmful UV rays that trigger lupus flares, skin reactions, and photosensitivity symptoms while driving.

All Windows Covered

Unlike standard tint laws, a medical exemption covers your windshield, front side windows, and rear, full vehicle protection.

FAQs

Driver holding a medical window tint exemption card in their vehicle
  • Why do I need TintedMD? Can't I just get my windows tinted?

    No. California Vehicle Code Section 26708.5 prohibits the application of any material to vehicle windows that alters color or reduces light transmittance, except as specifically authorized under CVC §26708. Without physician-signed exemption documentation, aftermarket window tint is unlawful and subject to citation. TintedMD provides the required medical certification entirely online, no office visit required.

  • What exactly does TintedMD provide?

    TintedMD provides physician-signed medical exemption documentation that authorizes window tint under California Vehicle Code Section 26708. Your signed letter is delivered electronically within 24-48 hours and is suitable for retention in your vehicle as required by law.

  • How much does TintedMD cost?

    TintedMD offers the lowest cost in the US for medical window tint exemption certifications. You only pay if our licensed physician approves your evaluation – 100% money-back guarantee. We also offer interest-free payment plans to make it even more affordable.

  • What medical conditions qualify for a California window tint exemption?

    California Vehicle Code Section 26708 does not provide specific qualifying conditions. The statute authorizes exemptions for any medical condition requiring sun protection (physician certification) or any visual condition requiring shade from sunlight (optometrist certification). For UV-protective film on all windows, a licensed dermatologist must certify that the individual should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays due to a medical condition. Common qualifying conditions include lupus, xeroderma pigmentosum, porphyria, photosensitivity disorders, history of skin cancer, and severe light sensitivity.

  • What is the difference between the two exemption types?

    California provides two medical exemption pathways under CVC §26708: (1) Sun Screening Devices under §26708(b)(10) permit darker tint (minimum 35% VLT) on front side windows only, require certification from a physician or optometrist, and cannot be used during darkness. (2) UV-Protective Film under §26708(e) permits clear, colorless film (minimum 88% VLT) on all windows including the windshield, requires certification from a dermatologist, and has no restriction on nighttime use.

  • Do I need to register my exemption with the California DMV?

    No. California does not administer a DMV registration process for medical window tint exemptions. The statute requires only that documentation be kept in the driver's possession or within the vehicle while operating the motor vehicle.

  • Can I use my exemption in a different vehicle?

    Yes. California's exemption applies to the individual, not a specific vehicle. The statute requires that documentation be in the driver's or passenger's possession, allowing use in any vehicle operated by the exemption holder.

  • How dark can my tint be with a medical exemption?

    For sun screening devices under CVC §26708(b)(10): minimum 35% visible light transmittance; devices must be green, gray, or neutral smoke in color per CVC §26708.2. For UV-protective film under CVC §26708(e): minimum 88% visible light transmittance for the film material, with combined glass-plus-film meeting minimum 70% transmittance per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205.

Explore California Hotspots
With Medical Window Tint Exemption

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles

The entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles offers world-class museums, iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, and neighborhoods from Venice Beach to Beverly Hills. The city's sprawling layout means most residents spend significant time behind the wheel navigating its famous freeways.

  • #CityDriving
  • #SunProtection
  • #DriveProtected
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San Diego, California

San Diego

Known for its year-round mild climate and 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is home to the world-famous Zoo, historic Gaslamp Quarter, and stunning beaches from La Jolla to Coronado. The city consistently ranks among America's most livable cities with its laid-back atmosphere and outdoor lifestyle.

  • #CoastalDriving
  • #UVProtection
  • #AmericasFinestCity
See Location

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Expert Review Behind Our Content

Medical and legal requirements around window tint exemptions can be confusing. At TintedMD, we focus on providing information that's clear, accurate, and easy to understand. Our articles are developed using trusted medical references and up-to-date state guidelines, then reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals for accuracy and relevance. This review process ensures the information you read is medically sound, compliant with applicable regulations, and practical for real-world situations, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Reviewed by

Dr. Matthew Reynolds, MD

Dr. Matthew Reynolds is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and treating conditions related to light sensitivity and visual discomfort. His clinical focus includes photophobia, post-surgical light sensitivity, retinal disorders, and ocular conditions that significantly impact daily activities such as driving. Dr. Reynolds has extensive experience providing medical documentation for accommodations and exemptions, ensuring evaluations are thorough, accurate, and aligned with state medical requirements. Through his work with TintedMD, he is committed to helping patients safely and confidently manage light-related medical needs.

Dr. Matthew Reynolds, MD — ophthalmologist and TintedMD medical reviewer

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