DMV Exam

Vision Requirements & Restrictions

If you wish to apply for an original driver’s license or renew your license, then you will have to pass a vision test with a visual acuity measure of at least 20/40 (based on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale) in either or both eyes, with or without the aid of corrective lenses.

You may take this vision test at your local DMV office. If you so desire, your optometrist can conduct the test and give you the results, which you can then submit to the DMV.

Additionally, a vision care provider (VCP) who is registered with the DMV Online Vision Registry can submit your vision test results electronically. You can find such a VCP via a search by zip code

The Vision Test Report (MV-619) form can be completed by a qualifying:

Physician or Assistant Physician,
Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, or Optician, OR
A registered nurse or nurse professional

Whether you are mailing or bringing the Vision Test Report to DMV, it must be completed in English.

What are the restrictions related to driver vision?

If the eye exam results indicate your need to wear corrective lenses to pass the vision test, a “B” restriction will be placed on your driver‘s license or learner’s permit.

There are also restrictions for drivers with low vision.

Telescopic lenses– These lenses are much more powerful than normal eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you need telescopic lens to pass a vision test, then you will have to complete and send the Eye Test Report for Medical Review Unit form (MV-80L) to the DMV’s Medical Review Unit (MRU). A “TELESCOPIC LENSES” restriction will be placed on your driver’s license or learner’s permit. If you no longer need telescopic lenses, then you will have no choice but to fill out and send a new form, MV-80L, to remove the restriction.
Daylight driving only– If an eye care professional (ECP) has deemed that your night vision is compromised, then a “DAYLIGHT DRIVING ONLY” restriction will be placed on your driver’s license or learner’s permit.

How do I remove a CORRECTIVE LENSES restriction?

You must be able to show that you can pass a vision test without the need for corrective lenses.

Can I remove the restriction online?

Yes, but you will only be able to do so provided that your VCP is registered with the DMV Online Vision Registry.

Once the enrolled VCP electronically notifies the DMV that you can pass a vision test without the aid of corrective lenses, the restriction will be removed when you renew your license online.

Can I remove the restriction at a DMV office?

Yes. Whenever you come into a DMV office to renew or replace your license or permit, you can take a vision test there, or prove that you have met our vision requirements by providing a MV-619 form that your ECP has completed.

For those cases in which your VCP is already registered in the DMV Online Vision Registry and has submitted the results of your test electronically to the DMV, then you need not submit proof or take a vision test.

Can I remove the restriction by mail?

Yes. If you want to remove the restriction before it is time for you to renew your driver’s license, then you need to have proof that you do not need to resort to using corrective lenses and order a replacement document before finally submitting it.

Complete the Application for a Driver’s License (MV-44),
Pay the replacement document fee, AND
Submit a completed Vision Test Report (MV-619) if your ECP is not registered in the DMV Online Vision Registry

Mail these items to your local DMV office.

If the Vision Test Report (MV-619) form has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, then the form will be valid for 6 months after the day that the eye examination is conducted. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, then the VCP should mark a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months OR 12 months after the date of the eye test.