Removing the Corrective Lenses Restriction From Your California Driver's License

How to remove the corrective lenses restriction

To remove the corrective lenses restriction from your California driver's license, you need to pass a vision test that meets the state's standards without wearing glasses or contacts. Once you pass, you visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, pay a fee (currently $35 for a replacement license), and request the restriction be removed. The DMV will issue you a new license without the restriction code printed on it.

The restriction itself — usually marked as code 12 on your license — means you are legally required to wear corrective lenses whenever you drive. Removing it means you have demonstrated to the state that you can meet California's vision standards without them. This is not a process that happens by mail or online; you must appear in person at a DMV office with proof that you have passed the vision test.

Key Takeaways

• You must pass a vision test that meets California's standards (20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without correction) without wearing glasses or contacts.
• Vision tests can be performed by a DMV office, a licensed optometrist, or a licensed ophthalmologist — you do not have to use the DMV's testing equipment.
• After passing the test, bring your current license, proof of the passing vision test, and payment to a DMV office to request the restriction removal.
• The DMV will issue a replacement license with the restriction code removed, which typically takes a few minutes if you are at the office in person.

Where to get your vision test

You have three options for where to take the vision test. The first is to visit a DMV office and use their testing equipment — you can schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website or walk in during office hours. The second is to visit a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist in California and ask them to perform a vision test for DMV purposes. The third option is less common: some DMV offices will accept a vision test form (DL 62) completed by an eye care professional if you bring it with you.

If you choose to use an optometrist or ophthalmologist, call ahead and confirm they perform DMV vision tests and understand California's standards. Not every eye care office does this work. When you go, tell them you need the test to remove a corrective lenses restriction from your driver's license. They will document the results and give you a form or letter you can bring to the DMV as proof of the passing test.

What California's vision standard means

California requires that you see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction, to drive legally. This is the key phrase: "with or without correction." If you are removing a restriction, you must achieve 20/40 in each eye without wearing your glasses or contacts. If you can only see 20/40 or better when wearing correction, the restriction stays in place.

The vision test also checks your peripheral vision and your ability to see color (though color blindness alone does not prevent you from driving). If you have had eye surgery, a change in your prescription, or any other change to your vision since you got your license, your vision may have improved enough to meet the standard without correction. That is the only way the restriction can be removed.

Documents to bring to the DMV office

Bring your current California driver's license, proof of the passing vision test, and a valid form of payment. If you had the test done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, bring the form or letter they gave you showing the test results and the date. If you had the test done at a DMV office, the DMV staff will have the results in their system, but it does not hurt to ask for a printed copy before you leave.

You will also need to pay the replacement license fee. As of now, a standard replacement license costs $35. Fees can change, so check the California DMV website before you go to confirm the current amount. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at most DMV offices.

What happens at the DMV office

When you arrive at the DMV office, tell the staff member that you want to remove the corrective lenses restriction from your license. Show them your current license and your proof of the passing vision test. They will verify the test results, confirm that you meet California's standard, and process your request. You will be asked to sign a form confirming the change.

The DMV will print a replacement license on the spot in most cases. Your new license will look the same as your old one, except the restriction code will not appear on it. You will receive the new license when ready and can drive without the restriction right away. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

If your vision test was done outside California

If you had your vision test performed by an eye care professional in another state, the DMV may not accept it. California has specific standards for how the test must be conducted and documented. Contact your local DMV office before the appointment and ask whether they will accept an out-of-state test result. If they will not, you will need to have the test done again in California by a DMV office or a California-licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

The safest approach is to have the test done at a California DMV office or by a California eye care professional. This removes any question about whether the results meet state standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove the restriction online or by mail?

No. You must appear in person at a DMV office with your current license and proof of the passing vision test. The DMV will not process this request remotely.

What if I fail the vision test without my glasses?

If you cannot see 20/40 in each eye without correction, you cannot remove the restriction. The restriction exists because you need corrective lenses to drive safely. You would need to continue wearing your glasses or contacts while driving.

How long does it take to remove the restriction once I pass the vision test?

If you go to a DMV office in person with your passing test results and payment, the process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license the same day.

Do I need an appointment at the DMV?

Many California DMV offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the California DMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long. Check your local office's policy before you go.

What if my vision has gotten worse since I got the restriction?

If your vision has worsened and you cannot meet the 20/40 standard without correction, the restriction cannot be removed. You would need to continue wearing corrective lenses while driving, as required by the restriction.