MV-80W Form – If you live in New York and need darker window tint on your vehicle due to a medical condition that makes you extremely sensitive to sunlight, the MV-80W Form (Application for Tinted Window Exemption) is your official path to a legal exemption. This free PDF from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows qualifying drivers or regular passengers to exceed the standard 70% light transmittance requirement.
New York’s window tint laws are among the strictest in the U.S. Under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375 (12-a), windshields and front side windows must allow at least 70% of light to pass through. Rear windows must also comply unless the vehicle has dual side mirrors, and passenger cars require the same for rear side windows. Non-compliant tint is illegal to sell, install, or operate—and it’s checked during every safety inspection.
The MV-80W form provides the only approved medical exemption when personal protective measures (clothing, sunscreen, UV films, or eyewear) are insufficient.
Direct Download:
MV-80W Form – Application for Medical Window Tint Exemption (PDF) (Revised June 2024 – Current Version)
Who Qualifies for the NY Medical Window Tint Exemption?
You (or a regular passenger) must have one of these specific medical conditions recognized by the NYS Department of Health. The exemption is granted only if sunlight exposure poses a serious health risk and other protections are inadequate.
Approved conditions include:
- Albinism
- Chronic actinic dermatitis / actinic reticuloid
- Dermatomyositis
- Lupus erythematosus
- Porphyria
- Xeroderma pigmentosum
- Severe drug photosensitivity (when treatment is expected to last a prolonged time)
- Photophobia linked to an ophthalmic or neurological disorder
- Any other condition causing severe photosensitivity requiring shielding from direct sunlight
A licensed New York physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must certify the condition on the form.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit the MV-80W Form?
The process is straightforward and requires no fee. Everything is done by mail—no online application is available.
- Download the form — Use the official link above (2 pages).
- Page 1 – Applicant section — Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your vehicle registration:
- Full name, Driver License ID #, address, phone
- If the exemption is for a passenger: their name, license ID, relationship, frequency/reason they ride in your vehicle
- Sign and date (under penalty of perjury)
- Page 2 – Medical provider section — Take the form to a NYS-licensed physician, PA, or NP. They must:
- Confirm the patient’s name and date of birth
- Note the examination date (must be within 60 days of submission)
- Check the qualifying condition (or describe “any other” severe photosensitivity)
- State the minimum light transmission level required
- Explain why sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, eyewear, or clear UV films are inadequate
- Sign, date, and provide their license information
- Gather supporting documents
- Completed MV-80W
- Photocopy of the medical provider’s NYS professional license
- Photocopy of your NYS vehicle registration
- Mail everything to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Regulation Bureau, Medical Review Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 337
Albany, NY 12228
Once approved, the DMV issues the exemption (typically a certificate you must keep in the vehicle). You can then legally install darker tint that meets the doctor-specified light transmission level.
Important Notes & Requirements
- The exemption applies to the specific vehicle listed on the registration.
- False statements are punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.
- Processing time is not published by the DMV—allow several weeks and contact the Medical Review Unit if needed.
- The exemption is vehicle-specific and tied to the certified medical need; it does not automatically transfer to a new car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MV-80W
Can I apply online?
No. The MV-80W must be mailed with the required copies.
Is there a fee?
No fee for the application or exemption.
What if the doctor is out-of-state?
Only NYS-licensed providers may complete Page 2.
Does the exemption cover all windows?
It allows tint darker than 70% VLT as medically necessary (the doctor specifies the exact minimum light transmission).
How long is the exemption valid?
It remains valid as long as the medical condition exists and the vehicle registration matches (renewal may be required if your condition changes).
Where can I find the official form instructions?
Right on the PDF itself and on the NY DMV Medical Exemptions page.
Why Choose the Official MV-80W Form?
Using third-party sites or outdated versions (some older PDFs still circulate) can lead to rejection. Always download directly from dmv.ny.gov to ensure you have the current 6/24 revision with the updated submission address and medical provider rules.
If you suffer from photosensitivity due to lupus, albinism, porphyria, or another listed condition, the MV-80W form gives you legal protection while driving in New York. Consult your doctor today, download the PDF, and submit your application to the DMV Medical Review Unit.
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Click here to download MV-80W PDF instantly
For the latest rules, visit the official NY DMV pages:
Stay safe and drive legally with your approved medical window tint exemption.