*Receive an immediate full refund if we cannot get you approved for a Legal Tint Exemption*
A window tint exemption in Washington gives you legal permission to install window film that is darker than what’s normally allowed under the state’s tint limits. This exemption is essential for individuals who are medically sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without an exemption, installing darker tint on your vehicle could result in a citation—but with proper documentation, it becomes a legal medical accommodation.
The exemption qualification process involves two parts:
A common misconception is that an exemption allows you to tint your windows as dark as you’d like. However, even with an exemption, the window tint must be reasonable and consistent with medical necessity. While you are permitted to exceed Washington’s standard legal tint limits, your vehicle must still meet safety and visibility standards, and you must be able to present your medical documentation upon request.
ForeverTint simplifies the entire process. We connect you directly with a licensed physician for a short phone consultation, handle the preparation of your documentation, and deliver your official Washington tint exemption certificate by email—along with clear instructions to help you stay compliant at all times.
A common misconception is that an exemption allows you to tint your windows as dark as you’d like. However, even with an exemption, the window tint must be reasonable and consistent with medical necessity. While you are permitted to exceed Washington’s standard legal tint limits, your vehicle must still meet safety and visibility standards, and you must be able to present your medical documentation upon request.
ForeverTint simplifies the entire process. We connect you directly with a licensed physician for a short phone consultation, handle the preparation of your documentation, and deliver your official Washington tint exemption certificate by email—along with clear instructions to help you stay compliant at all times.
It’s important for all drivers to understand Washington’s window tint laws, even if they don’t plan to apply for a medical tint exemption. Washington has clearly defined regulations that limit how dark your tint can be based on visible light transmission (VLT%). These rules are designed to maintain road safety and visibility while still allowing some degree of privacy and UV protection.
These restrictions mean that if you want darker-than-standard tint—especially on your front side windows or windshield—you’ll need a Washington tint exemption for medical reasons. ForeverTint makes it easy to find out if you qualify. Most people do, and once approved, your certificate allows you to legally install darker window tint in compliance with Washington law.
Traditionally, getting a tint exemption in Washington meant making an in-person doctor’s appointment, explaining your condition, and handling paperwork yourself. ForeverTint streamlines this entire process online:
*For any reason should you not be approved for a Legal Medical Window Tint Exemption you will receive an immediate refund. In our experience only 1 out of every 50 applicants are not approved.
Washington law allows a medical window tint exemption for individuals with health conditions that make sun exposure dangerous or medically inadvisable. These conditions often involve increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, or heat. Below are some of the most commonly recognized qualifying conditions:
Chronic or severe vision problems can be aggravated by bright sunlight. Darker tint can reduce glare, improve comfort while driving, and help protect eye health.
Eczema is a skin condition that can flare up due to heat and sunlight exposure. A tint exemption helps limit UV penetration, reducing the likelihood of painful flare-ups.
Some people experience rashes, burning, or swelling when their skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Darker tint acts as a protective barrier to prevent these reactions.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where UV exposure can trigger serious symptoms, including skin lesions and fatigue. A window tint exemption allows for safer daily travel by reducing UV contact.
This condition causes skin inflammation and rash when exposed to light. Darker tint helps reduce UV exposure and prevent painful flare-ups.
Xeroderma makes skin especially sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to cracking, irritation, and damage. Extra tinting provides a layer of defense against sun-related irritation.
For individuals with melanoma or a history of skin cancer, limiting UV exposure is critical. A tint exemption allows for significantly safer protection during daily commutes.
People with albinism lack the protective pigment melanin, making them extremely sensitive to sunlight. Darker tint reduces harmful UV rays that can damage both skin and eyes.
Porphyria is a group of disorders that make the skin and nervous system highly sensitive to sunlight. A tint exemption helps limit painful and potentially dangerous reactions.
Sunlight can worsen scarring and slow healing of severe burns. A window tint exemption offers ongoing protection during recovery and beyond.
This rare genetic disorder causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin damage and other complications. A medical tint exemption provides necessary protection for daily life.
Bloom syndrome increases the risk of skin cancers due to UV sensitivity. Extra tinting safeguards individuals against unnecessary exposure while driving.
Vitiligo reduces pigmentation in the skin, which removes natural protection against UV rays. Tint exemptions help protect depigmented skin from damage.
Many autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or dermatomyositis, involve increased sensitivity to UV light. Darker tint protects patients from flare-ups linked to sun exposure.
Texas law also recognizes that there are many less common conditions that may cause extreme sensitivity to light. If your physician determines that darker tint is medically necessary, you may qualify for an exemption even if your condition is not listed here.
In Washington, having a medical condition that justifies darker window tint is only part of the requirement—you must also carry the proper documentation in your vehicle at all times.
The Washington window tint exemption certificate serves as your official proof that your tint is legally allowed due to medical necessity. Without this signed document, even if you have a qualifying condition, you could still receive a citation for non-compliant tint.
The certificate must be signed by a licensed physician or optometrist and must include:
The provider’s full name, license number, and contact information
A statement verifying the medical need for darker window tint
Your identifying information and the date of issuance
This certificate must remain in your vehicle at all times. If you’re pulled over or your vehicle is inspected, presenting this documentation confirms that your tint is authorized under Washington law.
Washington does not accept verbal explanations or handwritten notes as proof of exemption. The exemption must be properly documented and signed by a medical professional. Without it, any tint darker than the legal limit may be considered a violation—even if it’s medically necessary.
RCW 46.37.430:
(5) No film sunscreening or coloring material that reduces light transmittance to any degree may be applied to the surface of the safety glazing material in a motor vehicle unless it meets the following standards for such material:
(1) A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on all windows and the top six inches of windshields of a vehicle operated by or carrying as a passenger a person who possesses a written verification from a licensed physician that the operator or passenger must be protected from exposure to sunlight for physical or medical reasons.
The only legal way to exceed Washington’s tint limits is by obtaining a medical window tint exemption signed by a licensed physician or optometrist. Without this documentation, any tint darker than the legal limit can result in a citation—even if you have a medical condition.
Yes, ForeverTint provides a valid Washington tint exemption by connecting you with a licensed physician who evaluates your medical condition and issues a legally recognized certificate. This certificate meets all Washington state requirements and must be kept in your vehicle.
If you’re pulled over, you’ll need to present your signed exemption certificate to law enforcement. As long as the certificate is valid and kept in your vehicle, your tint is legally protected under Washington law.
Yes, Washington requires a written statement or certificate from a licensed physician or optometrist that confirms your medical need for darker window tint. ForeverTint helps you obtain this certificate through a simple phone consultation with a licensed medical professional.
The exemption certificate is a signed document from a licensed physician verifying that you require window tint darker than the legal limits due to a medical condition. This certificate must include your medical need, provider details, and be stored in your vehicle at all times.
Yes, law enforcement can still pull you over if they suspect your tint is too dark. However, as long as you present a valid exemption certificate during the stop, your tint will be considered legally compliant.
ForeverTint offers a full refund if the physician determines you do not qualify for a tint exemption. This makes the process risk-free for anyone unsure whether their condition meets the state’s requirements.