How to Get a Window Tint Medical Exemption in Minnesota
Getting your Minnesota tint exemption is simpler than most people think. This guide walks you through the entire process — from application to approval — in clear, step-by-step detail.
Updated April 2026 · Minnesota Tint Exemption Editorial Team
Check If You Qualify
Before applying, confirm you have a qualifying medical condition with existing documentation from a primary care physician, ophthalmologist, or specialist. Records from Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Health, M Health Fairview, or any licensed Minnesota provider are accepted. Most PCPs won't sign tint exemption paperwork directly — that's the gap our service fills.
Common qualifying conditions include:
Minnesota's Twin Cities have large Somali and Hmong communities with elevated lupus and autoimmune rates. The University of Minnesota MS Center treats one of the highest regional MS rates in the country.
View all qualifying conditionsComplete the Online Application
Our application collects your information and existing medical documentation for our physician to review against MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4 requirements. You'll provide:
- Your name, email, and phone number
- State of residence (must be Minnesota)
- Your primary medical condition
- How the condition affects your sensitivity to light or UV
- Your medical documentation from your doctor or specialist
Physician Reviews Your Documentation
After you submit your application, documentation, and payment of $225, a licensed Minnesota physician reviews your medical records against MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4 exemption criteria. Our physicians provide a professional consultation on your existing documentation — we do not diagnose. If your documentation meets Minnesota's requirements, the physician signs and issues your exemption certificate.
Most reviews are completed within 24 hours. Many exemptions are processed the same day you apply.
Receive Your Exemption Certificate
Once approved, you'll receive your official Minnesota window tint medical exemption certificate via email. This document serves as your legal authorization under MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4 to have darker window tint. No DVS visit or filing is required.
Get Your Windows Tinted
With your exemption in hand, visit a professional tint installer in Minnesota. Show them your exemption certificate so they know you're legally authorized for darker tint below the 50% VLT limit. They'll apply the tint level appropriate for your condition. Ceramic tint is recommended for Minnesota's climate — it provides superior UV blocking year-round and handles the extreme temperature swings from summer to winter.
What If I Get Pulled Over?
If Minnesota State Patrol, Minneapolis PD, or any local officer stops you for dark window tint, calmly present your medical exemption certificate. Under MN Stat §169.71 subd. 4, your physician-certified exemption is a valid legal defense against tint violation charges.
If you receive a petty misdemeanor citation despite having an exemption, present the documentation in court to have it dismissed. This is why keeping the certificate in your vehicle at all times is critical — especially on high-enforcement corridors like I-394, I-35W, I-35E, and MN-62.