If you live in Washington and have a medical condition that makes sun exposure unsafe or uncomfortable, you may qualify for an exemption to the state’s standard vehicle tint laws. To make this exemption legal, however, you need more than just a doctor’s opinion—you need a Washington window tint exemption certificate.
This certificate is your official proof that your window tint is darker than what state law normally allows because of a verified medical need. Without it, your vehicle could be flagged as non-compliant, even if you have a legitimate health condition. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what the certificate is, what it must include, who issues it, and how you can get one legally and easily through ForeverTint.
Why Washington Has Window Tint Limits
Washington’s vehicle tint laws exist to ensure safety on the road. Law enforcement needs to be able to see inside vehicles during traffic stops, and excessively dark tint can limit visibility for drivers—especially at night.
Here are the standard legal limits in Washington for passenger vehicles:
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Windshield: Non-reflective tint only on the top 6 inches or above the AS-1 line
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Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 24% visible light
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Back Side Windows & Rear Window: Must also allow more than 24% visible light
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Reflectivity: Reflective tint is not permitted
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Color: Red, yellow, and amber tint colors are prohibited
Anyone with tint darker than these levels could be pulled over or cited—unless they possess a valid tint exemption certificate.
What Is the Washington Window Tint Exemption Certificate?
The Washington window tint exemption certificate is a formal, physician-signed document that verifies your medical condition requires window tint darker than the state’s default legal limits. This certificate must be kept in your vehicle at all times and shown to law enforcement or inspectors upon request.
Unlike some states, Washington does not require you to file this certificate with the DMV. There is no state-issued form or online portal to register your exemption. Instead, the certificate itself—when completed and signed by a licensed Washington physician or optometrist—is the only proof you need.
What Must Be Included in the Certificate?
To be legally valid in Washington, the certificate must meet certain requirements. It must include:
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The full name and license number of the licensed physician or optometrist
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A statement indicating that the driver or passenger has a qualifying medical condition requiring reduced exposure to light
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The duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
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The name of the patient or driver, matching the vehicle owner or regular vehicle user
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The physician’s signature and contact information
This information ensures that law enforcement officers can verify the legitimacy of the certificate quickly and effectively during a stop.
Why This Certificate Matters
Even if your tint is medically necessary, without the exemption certificate, it is still considered illegal under Washington law. Police officers are not obligated to accept verbal explanations or general notes from doctors. The law clearly requires a signed, physician-issued certificate with the appropriate details.
If you’re pulled over and don’t have the certificate in your vehicle, you could face a citation and be asked to remove your tint—regardless of your condition.
That’s why having the correct documentation in the right format is crucial.
Who Can Issue a Valid Certificate?
Only a licensed physician or optometrist in the United States can issue a valid Washington tint exemption certificate. The provider must be able to verify your condition and issue a written statement that complies with state requirements.
If you use ForeverTint, you’ll be connected directly with a licensed physician who:
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Understands Washington’s tint laws
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Reviews your condition in a quick phone consultation
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Issues a legally valid certificate if you qualify
This eliminates the guesswork and ensures your certificate meets the standards expected by local law enforcement.
How to Get a Washington Tint Exemption Certificate Online
ForeverTint makes the process simple and fully online—no doctor’s office visit or complicated paperwork needed. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Visit the Washington Page on ForeverTint
Start by going to https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/. Select Washington as your state to ensure you receive state-specific guidance and documentation.
Step 2: Purchase Your Exemption Package
Once you’ve reviewed the qualifying conditions, you can purchase the service directly through the site. This package includes the full consultation and your certificate—no hidden fees.
Step 3: Phone Consultation with a Licensed Physician
Within 24 hours of your purchase, our team will reach out to schedule a brief 5–10 minute phone consultation. You’ll speak directly with a physician to review your condition.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate by Email
If you qualify, your physician will complete and sign your certificate. It will be emailed to you promptly, and you’ll be able to print and keep a copy in your vehicle.
Common Conditions That May Qualify
While Washington doesn’t publish an official list of conditions, some of the most commonly approved cases include:
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Lupus or other autoimmune disorders
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Photosensitivity or extreme light sensitivity
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Albinism
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Skin cancer or increased risk of melanoma
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Migraines triggered by light
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Rosacea, eczema, or other light-affected skin conditions
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Post-operative recovery or scarring from burns
ForeverTint’s physicians consider each case individually, so even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify.
What Happens If You’re Pulled Over?
- If you’re pulled over and your vehicle has darker-than-legal tint, the officer will likely ask to see your exemption certificate. If you have it on hand and it’s valid, that should end the inquiry.
- If you don’t have it with you—even if you have one at home—you could still receive a ticket. That’s why we always recommend keeping a printed copy in your glove compartment at all times.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
ForeverTint offers a 100% risk-free guarantee. If our physician determines that your condition doesn’t meet the legal threshold for an exemption, you’ll receive a full refund—no questions asked. Most applicants do qualify, especially those with well-documented conditions like migraines, skin disorders, or light sensitivity.
Why Choose ForeverTint?
ForeverTint was designed to take the guesswork and stress out of getting your medical tint exemption certificate. When you use our service, you benefit from:
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Fast and convenient phone consultations
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State-compliant, physician-signed documentation
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No in-person appointments
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Quick email delivery of your certificate
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Full refund if you don’t qualify
Get Your Legal Window Tint Today
If you need darker tint for medical reasons, don’t wait to get pulled over or cited. A Washington tint exemption certificate keeps you legal and protected.
