How to get a window tint medical exemption in Washington
Washington grants an exemption from its tint limits on a qualifying medical certification. There is no state form — Washington State Patrol - there is nothing to file; the physician's letter in the glovebox is the exemption. No fee is published.
| What | Washington |
|---|---|
| Form | No state form; the signed medical statement is the proof |
| Who certifies | A licensed physician, by written verification. |
| Fee | None published |
| Valid for | Not stated |
| Keep in vehicle | Yes |
| What it covers | A greater degree of sunscreening on all the windows and on the top six inches of the windshield |
The steps
- 1
Get written verification from a licensed physician that you need protection from sunlight for a physical or medical reason. The statute is worded around the operator or a passenger, so a passenger's condition qualifies the vehicle.
- 2
Do not look for a form. The State Patrol states plainly that no form exists to complete or submit for a window tint exemption, which is why calls to the agency go nowhere.
- 3
Keep the physician's letter in the vehicle at all times and hand it over if an officer asks. That is the whole mechanism.
- 4
Remember what the exemption does not change: tint still needs both side mirrors giving a 200 foot view to the rear, and commercial vehicles follow federal rules instead.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a window tint medical exemption in Washington?
Get written verification from a licensed physician that you need protection from sunlight for a physical or medical reason. The statute is worded around the operator or a passenger, so a passenger's condition qualifies the vehicle. Do not look for a form. The State Patrol states plainly that no form exists to complete or submit for a window tint exemption, which is why calls to the agency go nowhere. Keep the physician's letter in the vehicle at all times and hand it over if an officer asks. That is the whole mechanism. Remember what the exemption does not change: tint still needs both side mirrors giving a 200 foot view to the rear, and commercial vehicles follow federal rules instead.
What form do I need for a tint exemption in Washington?
There is no state form. Washington works from the certifying provider's signed statement, which you keep rather than file.
Who can sign a tint exemption in Washington?
A licensed physician, by written verification.
What medical conditions qualify for tint in Washington?
Washington does not publish a list of named conditions. The test is whether a qualifying provider certifies that you require shielding from the sun.
Does the exemption let me tint the windshield in Washington?
A greater degree of sunscreening on all the windows and on the top six inches of the windshield.
Sources
- Washington State Patrol - Vehicle and equipment requirements (official)
- RCW 46.37.430 - Safety glazing, sunscreening or coloring (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.