Quick answer
The main cost of a medical tint exemption is the physician evaluation. With ShadedMD, that is a flat $129, one time, with no subscription and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not approved. Some states add a small fee for a form or permit, and you pay your tint shop separately for film. An in-person doctor visit typically costs more once you count the visit fee, travel, and time off.
Key takeaways
- The physician evaluation is the largest and most variable cost. ShadedMD charges $129 flat.
- There are no hidden fees with ShadedMD: no subscription, no per-state charge, and you are only charged at checkout.
- Some states charge a small fee for a form, permit, or sticker. Many charge nothing.
- Film and installation are separate and cost the same whether or not you have an exemption.
- ShadedMD certificates are valid for 1 year. Renewal is available when it expires.
The four possible costs
A medical tint exemption can involve up to four separate expenses. Most drivers only pay two.
- 1Physician evaluation. Required everywhere an exemption exists. This is where prices differ most.
- 2State fee. Some states charge for processing a form or issuing a permit or sticker. Others charge nothing and simply require you to carry the certificate.
- 3Window film and installation. Paid to your tint shop. The cost depends on film type and vehicle, not on the exemption.
- 4Renewal. Certificates and some state exemptions expire. Budget for a renewal on the schedule your state and certificate set.
Cost 1: The physician evaluation
This is the cost that varies from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the route you take.
In person. You pay a copay if the visit is covered, or the full office visit price if it is not or your deductible is unmet. Add fuel, parking, and time off work. And if the doctor declines to sign, you still pay for the visit. Our comparison of online vs. in-person tint exemptions walks through this.
Online with ShadedMD. A flat $129, one time. That covers a 5-minute questionnaire, individual review by a licensed U.S. physician, a signed certificate with a Recommendation ID valid for 1 year, a printable PDF, and state form guidance. There are no subscriptions, no hidden fees, and you are only charged at checkout. If the physician cannot approve you, the 30-day money-back guarantee refunds the full fee.
When you compare services, look for a price shown up front, a refund policy in writing, and confirmation that licensed physicians perform the review. Those three items tell you more than any marketing claim. See what to look for in a tint exemption service.
Cost 2: State fees
State fees are usually small and sometimes zero. States generally fall into two groups. Some accept the physician certificate kept in the vehicle and charge nothing. Others require a state form, and a subset of those charge a processing or permit fee. ShadedMD includes guidance with your certificate for states that require a form, so you know what to file and whether a fee applies. Check your state's page for specifics.
Cost 3: Film and installation
Film prices depend on construction (dyed, carbon, or ceramic), the number of windows, and your vehicle. You would pay this for legal tint anyway, so the exemption does not add to it. If anything, the exemption saves money by preventing the removal and re-tint cycle that follows a fix-it ticket. Compare film types in ceramic vs. dyed vs. carbon tint.
Cost 4: Renewal
ShadedMD certificates are valid for 1 year from issue, with the expiration date printed on the document. Renewal is available when it expires. Some states also set their own renewal schedule for the exemption itself. Read how to renew a medical tint exemption for the steps.
Putting it together
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ShadedMD physician evaluation | $129 flat | Refunded in full if not approved |
| State form or permit fee | $0 to a small fee | Depends on the state; guidance included |
| Film and installation | Varies by film and vehicle | Same as legal tint |
| Renewal | When the certificate expires | Valid 1 year; renewal available |
For most drivers, the total out-of-pocket cost of the exemption itself is $129 plus, at most, a small state fee. That is less than a single tint citation in many places.
ShadedMD is the most affordable way to get a physician-reviewed medical tint exemption: one flat $129, no subscription, no hidden fees, a signed certificate in 24 to 48 hours, and a full refund if you are not approved. Check if you qualify.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ShadedMD charge for a medical tint exemption?
A flat $129, one time. There is no subscription and no hidden fee. You are only charged at checkout, and if the licensed physician cannot approve you, the 30-day money-back guarantee refunds the full amount.
Are there extra fees from the state?
Sometimes. Some states accept the physician certificate with no fee. Others require a form and may charge a small processing or permit fee. ShadedMD includes state form guidance with your certificate.
Does insurance cover a medical tint exemption?
Insurance may cover an in-person office visit, but coverage of tint paperwork is inconsistent. Online services such as ShadedMD are paid directly, which keeps the cost predictable at $129.
How much does renewal cost?
ShadedMD certificates are valid for 1 year, and renewal is available when it expires. Check the ShadedMD site for current renewal details, and check your state for any state-level renewal requirement.
Is the exemption cheaper than a tint ticket?
In most places, yes. A single citation, especially one that requires film removal and re-tinting, often costs more than the $129 evaluation.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Tint laws change and differ by state, so check your state's current rules. Whether you qualify for an exemption is decided by a licensed physician based on your individual condition.
About ShadedMD
Medical tint exemptions you can trust
ShadedMD is an online medical window tint exemption service. Every questionnaire is reviewed by a physician licensed in your state, who approves or denies it based on medical need. ShadedMD offers the best pricing of any online tint exemption service: one flat fee of $129 with no add-ons, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Physicians aim to complete reviews within 24 to 48 hours, and approved patients receive a signed certificate by email that they can download, print, and keep for one year.