How to get a window tint medical exemption in California
California grants an exemption from its tint limits on a qualifying medical certification. There is no state form — the physician's, optometrist's or dermatologist's letter is itself the exemption. There is no DMV form. No fee is published.
| What | California |
|---|---|
| Form | No state form; the signed medical statement is the proof |
| Who certifies | A licensed physician, for a medical condition (sun-screening device on the front side windows); A licensed optometrist, for a visual condition (sun-screening device on the front side windows); A licensed dermatologist, for the separate clear, colorless UV-filtering film exception. |
| Fee | None published |
| Valid for | Not stated |
| Keep in vehicle | Yes |
| What it covers | Two separate exceptions, and neither one legalises dark film. A sun-screening device meeting Section 26708.2 may go on the side windows either side of the front seat, and may not be used during darkness. Separately, clear, colorless UV-filtering film is allowed with a dermatologist's certificate. |
The steps
- 1
Work out which of the two exceptions you need. For glare or sun exposure, Vehicle Code 26708 allows a sun-screening device on the side windows beside the front seat. For ultraviolet protection, a separate exception allows clear, colorless film.
- 2
For the screening device, get a letter from a licensed physician (medical condition) or licensed optometrist (visual condition) stating the need for shade. For the clear-film exception, the certificate must come from a licensed dermatologist.
- 3
Make sure the device meets the requirements of Vehicle Code 26708.2.
- 4
Carry the letter or certificate in the vehicle. There is no state application and no DMV form to file.
- 5
Do not expect this to cover dark film: CHP General Order 100.5 states that permanent tinting film on the front side windows does not meet the screening-device exception, and a screening device may not be used during darkness.
Which conditions qualify
California publishes no list of named conditions. The test is whether a qualifying provider certifies that you require shielding from the direct rays of the sun.
What gets refused
- Any condition offered as grounds for dark or permanent tint film on the front side windows — the CHP reads the screening-device exception as not covering permanent tinting film
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a window tint medical exemption in California?
Work out which of the two exceptions you need. For glare or sun exposure, Vehicle Code 26708 allows a sun-screening device on the side windows beside the front seat. For ultraviolet protection, a separate exception allows clear, colorless film. For the screening device, get a letter from a licensed physician (medical condition) or licensed optometrist (visual condition) stating the need for shade. For the clear-film exception, the certificate must come from a licensed dermatologist. Make sure the device meets the requirements of Vehicle Code 26708.2. Carry the letter or certificate in the vehicle. There is no state application and no DMV form to file. Do not expect this to cover dark film: CHP General Order 100.5 states that permanent tinting film on the front side windows does not meet the screening-device exception, and a screening device may not be used during darkness.
What form do I need for a tint exemption in California?
There is no state form. California works from the certifying provider's signed statement, which you keep rather than file.
Who can sign a tint exemption in California?
A licensed physician, for a medical condition (sun-screening device on the front side windows); A licensed optometrist, for a visual condition (sun-screening device on the front side windows); A licensed dermatologist, for the separate clear, colorless UV-filtering film exception.
What medical conditions qualify for tint in California?
California does not publish a list of named conditions. The test is whether a qualifying provider certifies that you require shielding from the sun. Refused: Any condition offered as grounds for dark or permanent tint film on the front side windows — the CHP reads the screening-device exception as not covering permanent tinting film.
Does the exemption let me tint the windshield in California?
Two separate exceptions, and neither one legalises dark film. A sun-screening device meeting Section 26708.2 may go on the side windows either side of the front seat, and may not be used during darkness. Separately, clear, colorless UV-filtering film is allowed with a dermatologist's certificate.
Sources
- California Vehicle Code 26708 (Legislative Information) (official)
- CHP General Order 100.5, Regulated Devices (rev. December 2023) (official)
Reference only, not legal or medical advice. Forms and fees change — confirm against the official source above before you file, and get the form from the agency rather than a third-party form site.