Get Your Illinois Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

Illinois: Everything You Need to Know

• Illinois Window Tint Exemption Laws

  Illinois allows medical exemptions from standard window tint restrictions under 625 ILCS 5/12-503. Individuals with qualifying medical conditions that require protection from direct sunlight can apply for special Tinted Window License Plates and legally install darker window tint.

  • The exemption removes standard VLT restrictions on front side windows adjacent to the driver.

  • Special "Tinted Window" license plates must be issued by the Secretary of State before tint installation.

  • A licensed Illinois physician must certify your condition using Form VSD 704.

  • Qualifying conditions include Lupus (Systemic and Discoid), Albinism, Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis, and light sensitivity from traumatic brain injury.

  • Light sensitivity that can be treated with sunglasses or eye protective devices does NOT qualify.

  • Physician certification must be renewed every 4 years. By contrast, Texas sets no fixed renewal period, though drivers there are advised to keep their physician letter current.

  • The certification must be kept in your vehicle and presented to law enforcement upon request.

  • The exemption also covers vehicles used to transport a qualifying person living at the same address as the registered owner.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a medical window tint exemption in Illinois, you'll need:

  • Form VSD 704 (Tinted Window Certification), completed and signed by a licensed Illinois physician

  • Additional fee for your Tinted Window License Plates

  The Physician's Statement of Certification must include:

  • Date of issuance

  • Physician's name, address, and signature

  • Patient's name, address, and specific medical condition

  • Certification that the condition requires protection from direct sunlight

  If applying through a telehealth service like TintedMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A signed physician certification (Form VSD 704) delivered via email within 24-48 hours, ready for submission to the Secretary of State

  Note:

  You must receive your Tinted Window License Plates and display them on your vehicle BEFORE having your windows tinted. Installers cannot legally apply window treatment until your special plates are in place.

• Legal Tint Limits

  Illinois law sets specific limits on how dark your vehicle windows can be tinted. However, the state recognizes that certain medical conditions require additional protection from sunlight. With an approved medical exemption and Tinted Window plates, your darker window tint becomes legally recognized.

  Standard Illinois Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint permitted only on top 6 inches.

  • Front Side Windows: 35% VLT minimum if back windows allow more than 35% light; up to 50% VLT allowed if back windows are darker.

  • Back Side Windows: Any darkness permitted.

  • Rear Window: Any darkness permitted.

  • Reflectivity: No metallic or mirrored appearance permitted on any window.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • You may install window tint on front side windows beyond standard VLT restrictions.

  • Exemption applies to windows adjacent to the driver that are normally restricted.

  • Back side windows and rear window already permit any darkness under standard law.

  • Windshield rules (top 6 inches only) still apply even with exemption.

  • Dual side mirrors required if rear window visibility is reduced.