Illinois Form VSD 704 Tinted Window Certification Guide – Illinois drivers seeking darker window tint due to qualifying medical conditions must use Form VSD 704, the official Tinted Window Certification issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. This form, combined with special license plates, provides a legal exemption from standard window tint restrictions under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/12-503 and 5/3-412). This guide covers eligibility, how to complete and submit the form, associated fees, and key requirements for U.S. residents, particularly those in Illinois.
Download the official form here: Illinois Secretary of State Form VSD 704 — Tinted Window Certification (PDF).
What Is Illinois Form VSD 704?
Form VSD 704 is the official Tinted Window Certification document from the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department, Special Plates Division. It certifies that a vehicle owner or a qualifying passenger living at the same address has a medical condition requiring protection from direct sunlight. Once approved, the vehicle receives distinctive Tinted Window License Plates, allowing darker-than-standard tint while remaining compliant with state law.
The form must be completed and signed by both a licensed physician and the applicant. It serves as the physician’s certified statement required by statute and must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Who Qualifies for a Tinted Window Exemption in Illinois?
Eligibility is limited to specific medical conditions that require shielding from the direct rays of the sun. According to the Illinois Secretary of State and 625 ILCS 5/12-503, accepted conditions include:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
- Lupus Erythematosus
- Albinism
- Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis
- Xeroderma Pigmentosum
The statute also references light sensitivity resulting from a traumatic brain injury in some contexts. However, no exemption is granted for conditions (such as general light sensitivity or photophobia) that can be adequately managed with sunglasses or other eye protective devices.
The exemption applies to:
- A person who owns and operates the vehicle and has a qualifying condition
- A vehicle used to transport a person with a qualifying condition who resides at the same address as the registered owner
Only physicians licensed to practice medicine in Illinois may complete the certification.
Illinois Window Tint Laws Overview
Without a medical exemption, Illinois restricts window tint primarily by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on the front side windows. Standard limits generally require at least 35% VLT (or 50% in certain configurations involving darker rear windows) on windows adjacent to the driver. Windshields allow only a non-reflective tint strip on the top 6 inches. Rear windows have fewer restrictions, especially on multipurpose vehicles, but dual side mirrors are often required when rear visibility is reduced.
Form VSD 704 and the associated special plates create a full exemption from these front-window restrictions for qualifying medical cases.
How to Complete Form VSD 704?
The form requires information from both the physician and the applicant:
- Year — Enter the current year or vehicle year as indicated.
- Name of Person with the Disability — Full legal name of the individual with the qualifying condition.
- Relation to Vehicle Owner — State the relationship (e.g., self, spouse, family member living at same address).
- Proof of Address — Attach documentation showing the person with the disability resides at the same address as the registered owner (if applicable).
- Diagnosis — Physician states the specific qualifying medical condition.
- Physician Section — Physician certifies the condition meets the statutory definition, then signs, dates, and provides license number, name, telephone, and address. Physicians are warned not to sign if the patient does not qualify.
- Applicant Section — The person requesting the tinted windows signs and dates, affirming eligibility. Provide plate number (if known), telephone, name, and address.
Warnings on the form note that false or misleading statements can result in fines up to $1,000, and misuse of the tinted window plate can lead to revocation and fines up to $500.
How to Apply and Submit Form VSD 704?
Follow these steps:
- Download and print the current Form VSD 704 from the official Illinois Secretary of State website.
- Have a licensed Illinois physician complete and sign the medical certification section.
- Complete the applicant section and attach any required proof of address.
- Submit a copy of the completed certification (or a physician’s certified statement/letter meeting the same requirements) to the Secretary of State.
- Mail documentation to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Services Department
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 520
Springfield, IL 62756
Phone: 217-524-1345
Processing is handled through the Springfield office. After approval, you will receive Tinted Window License Plates. The original certification must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Official page for additional details: Illinois Secretary of State — Tinted Windows License Plates.
Fees for Tinted Window License Plates
Fees (as published by the Illinois Secretary of State) for random-number Tinted Window plates include:
- Newly acquired vehicle / first-time issuance: $316 ($165 title fee + $151 registration fee)
- Currently titled vehicle / first-time issuance: $151 (registration fee)
- Current plates expire within 90 days: $180 ($151 registration + $29 replacement fee)
- Current plates do not expire within 90 days: $29 (replacement fee)
- Annual renewal: $151 (registration fee)
Include the appropriate fee with your mailing when applying for plate replacement or issuance. Confirm current amounts on the official Secretary of State website, as fees can change.
Renewal Requirements
The physician certification must be renewed every four years. A copy of the current certification must accompany the annual license plate renewal application. Failure to keep the certification current can result in loss of the exemption and potential enforcement action.
Important Compliance Notes for Drivers
- Always carry the current physician certification in the vehicle.
- Display the official Tinted Window License Plates.
- Installers may only apply darker medical-exemption tint on vehicles that already have the distinctive plates or stickers.
- Out-of-state vehicles properly registered elsewhere are generally exempt from Illinois tint restrictions.
- Misuse or false statements can lead to plate revocation and significant fines.
Where to Get Help?
For the most current form, fees, and instructions, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State website or contact the Special Plates Division at 217-524-1345. Local Driver Services facilities may provide general guidance, but specialty plate processing for this exemption is handled in Springfield.
Download Form VSD 704 now: Official Illinois Form VSD 704 PDF.