Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Severe photosensitivity; UV exposure can trigger flares affecting skin, joints, and organs.
Texas tint law · 2026 guide
How to get a window tint permit in Texas
To get a Texas medical tint permit, you need a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist confirming a condition that requires reduced sunlight exposure. Submit the signed statement to your local law enforcement agency — in Houston, the Harris County Sheriff's Office or Houston Police Department. The permit must be kept in the vehicle at all times. Texas Transportation Code §547.613 governs the medical exemption process.
The short answer
How to get a tint permit in Texas
Quick answer
To get a window tint permit in Texas, you need a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist confirming a medical condition that requires reduced sunlight exposure. Submit the signed statement to your local law enforcement agency — in Houston, this is the Harris County Sheriff's Office or the Houston Police Department. The permit must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Texas Transportation Code §547.613 governs the medical exemption process, and the permit applies only to the vehicle specified in the application. There is no statewide standard form — requirements vary by county, so contact your local agency before applying. For a full breakdown of legal VLT limits without a permit, see our Texas tint laws guide.
Eligibility
Medical conditions that qualify for a Texas tint permit
Texas does not publish an exhaustive list — determination is made by your licensed physician based on medical necessity. These conditions commonly qualify.
Photosensitivity disorders
Includes solar urticaria, polymorphous light eruption, and chronic actinic dermatitis where sunlight causes painful skin reactions.
Melanoma history or active skin cancer
Physicians frequently recommend reduced UV exposure for patients with a history of melanoma or other UV-related skin cancers.
Albinism
Reduced melanin production creates extreme sensitivity to UV radiation, making darker window tint medically necessary.
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
A rare genetic condition where the body cannot repair UV damage to DNA, requiring near-total UV avoidance.
Severe light-triggered migraines (photophobia)
When documented by a neurologist or ophthalmologist, light-triggered migraines can qualify.
Post-surgical eye conditions
Certain procedures, such as corneal transplants or cataract surgery complications, may require prolonged UV protection during recovery.
Informational, not diagnostic
This list is informational, not diagnostic. Only your physician can determine whether your condition qualifies under Texas law. The signed medical statement must specify your condition and explicitly state that reduced sunlight exposure is medically necessary.
For additional UV protection inside your home, UV protection window film blocks 99%+ of harmful UV rays and protects skin, furnishings, and flooring without requiring a permit.
The process
Step-by-step: how to apply for a tint permit in Texas
Five steps from physician visit to keeping the permit in your glove box.
Visit your physician or optometrist
Schedule an appointment specifically to discuss your need for a medical tint exemption. Bring documentation of your diagnosis — medical records, prescriptions, or prior specialist notes help support your case.
Obtain a signed medical statement
Your doctor must provide a signed statement on their letterhead or official form confirming: (a) your diagnosed condition, (b) that reduced sunlight exposure through vehicle window tinting is medically necessary, and (c) their medical license number. Some counties require the statement to specify the recommended VLT percentage — ask your local agency before the appointment.
Contact your local Texas law enforcement agency
In Harris County (Houston), contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office. In Fort Bend County (Katy, Sugar Land), contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff. Each county may have slightly different submission requirements — call ahead to confirm what documentation they accept and whether in-person submission is required.
Submit the medical statement and application
Provide the signed medical statement, your vehicle registration, valid Texas driver's license, and any county-specific application form. Some agencies process permits same-day; others may take 5–10 business days.
Receive your tint permit and keep it in the vehicle
Once approved, store the permit in the vehicle it covers — the glove box or center console is recommended. If you are pulled over, present the permit along with your license and registration. The permit is vehicle-specific — if you change vehicles, you must reapply.
Pro tip: Before getting your windows tinted, use our tint percentage calculator to determine your desired VLT level, then discuss the percentage with your physician so the medical statement matches. Ready to get professional tinting after your permit is approved? Book your free tinting estimate with Greenhouse Solar Control.
Local processing
Tint permit processing by county
Four-county coverage — Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria. Select yours for the contact agency and what to expect.
Harris County
ContactHarris County Sheriff's Office — Civil Division
ProcessingIn-person submission typically required · Allow 5–10 business days
Serves Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Spring, and Humble. In-person submission is typically required — allow 5–10 business days for processing.
Fort Bend County
ContactFort Bend County Sheriff's Office
ProcessingContact the office directly for current submission requirements
Serves Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, and Stafford. Contact the office directly for current submission requirements before you visit.
Montgomery County
ContactMontgomery County Sheriff's Office
ProcessingVaries — call ahead to confirm accepted documentation
Serves The Woodlands, Conroe, and Spring. Processing varies — call ahead to confirm which documentation they accept.
Brazoria County
ContactBrazoria County Sheriff's Office
ProcessingCall to confirm mail vs. in-person
Serves Pearland, Friendswood, and League City. Call to confirm whether they accept mailed applications or require an in-person visit.
Greenhouse Solar Control has installed tint on permitted vehicles and residential properties across all four counties for over 15 years. If you have questions about which VLT level to request on your permit, our technicians can advise based on your needs before you visit your doctor. Contact us for residential window tinting services in Houston or call (281) 961-3058.
Texas tint permits — answered
Cost, duration, enforcement, required documentation, darker front tint, and multi-vehicle coverage. Still have a question? Call (281) 961-3058.
Most Texas counties do not charge a fee for medical tint permits. The primary cost is the physician visit to obtain the signed medical statement, which varies by provider and insurance coverage — typically $50–$200 for an office visit. Some physicians may charge an additional documentation fee of $25–$50 for the signed letter.
Texas does not set a statewide expiration standard for medical tint permits. Duration varies by county — some issue permits that remain valid indefinitely as long as the medical condition persists, while others require annual or biennial renewal with an updated physician statement. Contact your issuing agency to confirm the renewal schedule for your county.
Yes, law enforcement may still stop you if your windows appear darker than legal limits. However, presenting your valid tint permit during the stop should resolve the issue. Officers can verify the permit against your vehicle registration. Carry the permit in the vehicle at all times — not in your wallet or at home.
You need four items: (1) a signed medical statement from a licensed physician or optometrist specifying your condition and the medical necessity of reduced sunlight exposure, (2) a valid Texas driver's license, (3) current vehicle registration for the specific vehicle to be tinted, and (4) any county-specific application form required by your local sheriff's office or police department.
Yes — a medical tint permit allows you to install darker tint on front side windows beyond the standard 25% VLT legal minimum in Texas. The exact VLT level permitted depends on your physician's recommendation as stated in the medical exemption. Some permits specify a VLT percentage; others grant a general exemption. For reference on standard Texas VLT limits, see our Texas tint laws guide, and use our tint percentage calculator to visualize different darkness levels.
No. Texas tint permits are vehicle-specific — each permit applies only to the vehicle listed on the application. If you own multiple vehicles and want darker tint on each, you must apply for a separate permit for every vehicle using the same medical documentation.
Permit approved?
Book your tint install in Houston
Greenhouse Solar Control installs at your permitted VLT level the first time — no rework, no compliance issues. With 15+ years and thousands of installations across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria counties, we offer free on-site estimates and a lifetime workmanship warranty.
(281) 961-3058