Get Your Virginia Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

Virginia: Everything You Need to Know

• Virginia Window Tint Exemption Laws

  Virginia's medical window tint exemption is authorized under Virginia Code § 46.2-1053 and administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Individuals with qualifying medical conditions can apply for a sun-shading medical authorization.

  • The exemption allows window tint as dark as 35% VLT on all windows, including front side windows.

  • Windshield can have 35% VLT on upper 5 inches (or to AS-1 line) OR 70% VLT on entire windshield.

  • DMV issues the authorization, your vehicle registration card will show "sunshading" notation.

  • You must obtain DMV authorization BEFORE adding the sun-shading or tinting.

  • Authorization is valid until the vehicle is sold or your medical condition no longer exists.

  • Authorization is tied to specific vehicle(s) listed on your application.

  • Sun-shading must be removed from vehicle when authorization ends.

  • Submitting false information is a criminal violation under Virginia law.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a sun-shading medical authorization in Virginia, you'll need:

  • Completed Sun-Shading Medical Authorization Application (Form MED-20)

  • Vehicle information for each vehicle to be covered

  • A statement from a medical provider certifying that sun-shading is necessary for your health

  The Medical Certification must be signed by one of the following:

  • Licensed physician

  • Physician's assistant

  • Nurse practitioner

  • Ophthalmologist

  • Optometrist

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

  • A signed form MED-20 certified by a licensed practitioner, ready for DMV submission

  If you need an exemption for an additional vehicle:

  • Submit a new MED-20 form with the additional vehicle information (medical certification on file)

  Note:

  Virginia requires DMV approval before you can legally add sun-shading to your vehicle. Once approved, DMV issues a new vehicle registration card with "sunshading" printed in the Special Conditions space. This serves as your legal verification.

• Legal Tint Limits

  Virginia 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 DMV sun-shading authorization, your darker window tint becomes legally recognized.

  Standard Virginia Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: No sun-shading allowed.

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 50% of visible light (50% VLT).

  • Rear Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% VLT (regular vehicles); no limit for multi-use vehicles.

  • Rear Window: Must allow at least 35% VLT (regular vehicles); no limit for multi-use vehicles.

  • Reflectivity: No more than 20% reflective on any window.

  • No holographic or prism effects permitted.

  With a Medical Authorization:

  • Windshield: 35% VLT on upper 5 inches or to AS-1 line, OR 70% VLT on entire windshield.

  • Front Side Windows: May be tinted to 35% VLT.

  • Rear Side Windows: May be tinted to 35% VLT.

  • Rear Window: May be tinted to 35% VLT.

  • Virginia law does not authorize tint darker than 35% VLT, even with medical authorization.