Get Your Washington Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

Washington's medical window tint exemption is authorized under RCW 46.37.430. The law permits a greater degree of light reduction on all windows and the top six inches of the windshield for vehicles operated by or carrying passengers with qualifying medical conditions.

• The exemption requires written verification from a licensed physician.
• The physician's letter must state that the operator or passenger must be protected from exposure to sunlight for physical or medical reasons.
• The written verification must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
• You must present the verification to law enforcement upon request.
• Washington does not require a state-issued permit or DMV application, the physician's letter is your exemption.
• The exemption applies to the person with the medical condition, not a specific vehicle.
• No specific VLT limit is mandated with an exemption, darker tint is permitted based on medical necessity.

To qualify for a medical window tint exemption in Washington, you'll need:

• Physician verification letter stating that the operator or passenger requires protection from sunlight exposure
• Letter must specify the physical or medical condition requiring the exemption

The Physician's Letter must be completed by one of the following:

• Licensed physician (MD or DO)

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

• A signed physician verification letter on official letterhead delivered via email, ready to keep in your vehicle

Note:

Washington does NOT require a state application or DOL-issued permit – your physician letter IS your exemption. Keep your physician letter in your vehicle at all times and present it to law enforcement upon request.

Washington law sets specific limits on how dark your vehicle windows can be tinted. With a valid medical exemption, you can legally install tint darker than standard limits, protecting both your health and your compliance with Washington law.

Standard Washington Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint permitted only on the top 6 inches. Clear UV-blocking film is allowed on the entire windshield.
• Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 24% of visible light (24% VLT). Anything darker is illegal without an exemption.
• Back Side Windows: Minimum 24% VLT for sedans; SUVs, trucks, and vans may use any darkness.
• Rear Window: Minimum 24% VLT for sedans; SUVs, trucks, and vans may use any darkness.
• Reflectivity: No more than 35% reflective on any window.
• Prohibited colors: Red, gold, yellow, black, and mirror-finish films are not permitted.

With a Medical Exemption:

• Front Side Windows: May be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction than standard limits.
• Back Side Windows: May be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction than standard limits.
• Rear Window: May be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction than standard limits.
• Windshield: Top 6 inches may be tinted to a greater degree of light reduction.
• Reflectivity limit of 35% still applies.
• Prohibited colors still apply.
• Dual side mirrors required if any window behind the driver is tinted.