Forms & Applications

California Tint Exemption Form — Download & Instructions

Learn how to obtain, fill out, and submit the California window tint medical exemption form — or skip the paperwork entirely with our online process.

California Does Not Have a State-Issued Tint Exemption Form

Unlike some states, California does not provide a standardized DMV tint exemption form. Under CVC §26708(b)(10), the exemption requires a physician-issued written certificationthat the patient has a medical condition requiring darker tint. Current agency filing and registration requirements should be confirmed — you simply carry the physician's certification in your vehicle.

Start the Online Intake — In-person requirements vary

independent, appropriately licensed clinicians (MD/DO) review your existing medical documentation against CVC §26708(b)(10) requirements and may independently issue follow-up documentation after review, with digital delivery when applicable. The entire process takes about 5 minutes to apply, with review timing varying by case.

The Traditional Doctor Visit Process

Without our service, obtaining a California tint exemption certification traditionally involves:

Find a Willing California Physician

This is the biggest hurdle. Most California PCPs, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists are unfamiliar with CVC §26708(b)(10) and decline to write tint exemption certifications. It’s not because you don’t qualify — it’s because the process falls outside their typical practice.

Schedule and Attend an In-Person Appointment

If you find a willing doctor, you’ll need to schedule an office visit ($50–$200+ copay or out-of-pocket). In major CA metro areas like LA, SF, and SD, wait times for specialist appointments can be weeks.

Physician Writes the Certification

The doctor must write a certification stating your medical condition requires darker window tint. There is no standardized California form — the physician creates this document themselves, which many are reluctant to do.

Carry the Document in Your Vehicle

No DMV submission is required. Keep the physician’s signed certification in your vehicle at all times for CHP, LAPD, SDPD, SFPD, and all California law enforcement.

What Must the Physician Certification Include?

Since California has no standardized form, the physician's written certification under CVC §26708(b)(10) should include:

Patient Information

Full legal name
Date of birth
California address
Medical condition requiring tint
How condition causes photosensitivity or UV vulnerability

Physician Information

Physician name and credentials (MD or DO)
California medical license number
Practice address and phone
Statement of medical necessity for darker tint
Physician signature and date

Traditional Doctor Visit vs. Our Online Service

Feature	Traditional Route	Online (Our Service)
State form required	No form exists	Not needed
DMV filing required	No	No
Find willing doctor	Difficult (most decline)	Not needed
Office visit	Yes — $50-200+ copay	No — online review
Time to complete	Days to weeks	5-10 minutes to apply
Processing time	Depends on doctor availability	on a variable timeline
Total cost	$50-200+ (appointment)	$275
Follow-up documentation	Paper from doctor	Digital when independently issued

Can a medical exemption dismiss an existing fix-it ticket?

Yes. California tint violations are typically issued as correctable citations. A valid physician certification under CVC §26708(b)(10) can serve as your proof of correction support a request to resolve the ticket, subject to court review with only a ~$25 court processing fee.

No Form Needed — Apply Online

California doesn't require a state form or DMV filing. Independent, appropriately licensed clinicians may independently issue follow-up documentation after review, with digital delivery when applicable after reviewing your existing medical records.

Related California Tint Exemption Guides

Explore more about getting your California window tint medical exemption:

California Window Tint Medical ExemptionHow the medical exemption works in California and who qualifies.How to Get a Tint Exemption in CaliforniaThe step-by-step process from application to approved certificate.California Window Tint LawsLegal VLT limits, reflection rules, and the governing statute.Darkest Legal Tint in CaliforniaHow dark you can legally go with and without an exemption.Tint Exemption CostWhat a California exemption costs and how it compares to fines.California Tint Tickets & FinesPenalties for illegal tint and how an exemption may affect enforcement.Medical Conditions That May Be RelevantSee every condition that can qualify you for darker tint.California Exemption FAQAnswers to the most common exemption questions.