What "Corrective Lenses" means on your license and how to remove it
A corrective lenses restriction (usually shown as a code like "B" or "08" depending on your state) means your license is valid only when you are wearing glasses or contact lenses while driving. If you take off your glasses or forget your contacts, you are driving with a suspended license — even if you are only going around the block.
You can remove this restriction by proving to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that your vision now meets the standard without correction. This requires a vision test performed by an eye care professional — either an optometrist or ophthalmologist — and then a visit to your DMV to update your license.
The process takes two to four weeks total, depending on how quickly you can schedule the eye exam and how long your DMV takes to process the change. You will not need to retake the written or driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a vision exam showing your uncorrected vision meets your state's standard (usually 20/40 or better in at least one eye).
- The eye care professional must be licensed in your state — telehealth vision tests do not count for this purpose.
- You bring the exam results and your current license to your DMV to request the restriction be removed.
- Some states allow you to mail in the paperwork; others require you to appear in person at a DMV office.
- The restriction code will be removed from your license once the DMV processes your request, usually within one to two weeks.
What vision standard you need to meet
Each state sets its own minimum uncorrected vision requirement. Most states require 20/40 vision or better in at least one eye, and some require both eyes to meet that standard. A few states are stricter and require 20/30 uncorrected vision.
You should contact your state's DMV before scheduling an eye exam to confirm the exact requirement. This prevents you from paying for an exam only to learn your vision does not quite meet the standard. Your DMV website will list the vision requirement, or you can call your local office and ask.
If your uncorrected vision does not meet the standard, the restriction stays on your license. You can request another exam after six months to one year, depending on your state's rules, if your vision has improved.
Finding an eye care professional and getting the exam
You need an exam from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist in your state. The eye care professional will test your vision without correction — meaning they will not let you wear glasses or contacts during the test — and will provide a written report of the results.
Call ahead and tell the office you need the exam specifically to remove a corrective lenses restriction from your driver's license. Some offices have a standard form they use for DMV vision exams, which speeds up the process. The exam itself takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs between $50 and $150, depending on the provider and your location.
Ask the eye care professional for a printed copy of the results before you leave. You will need this document when you go to the DMV. Some states also allow the professional to submit the results electronically to the DMV, but having a paper copy in your hand is safer.
How to request the restriction removal at your DMV
Once you have the vision exam results showing you meet the uncorrected vision standard, contact your state DMV to find out whether you can mail in the paperwork or must appear in person. Some states process these requests by mail; others require you to visit a DMV office.
If your state allows mail-in requests, you will typically send your current license, the vision exam results, and a completed form (which the DMV website will provide). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if the DMV asks for it. Mail to the address listed on the DMV website, not to a local office.
If you must appear in person, bring your current license, the vision exam results, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You do not need to retake any written or driving test. The DMV staff will review the exam results, confirm they meet the state standard, and process the restriction removal on the spot or within a few days.
Timeline and what happens to your license
The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you schedule your eye exam. The eye exam itself can usually be scheduled within a few days. Processing at the DMV takes one to two weeks if you mail in the paperwork, or one to three days if you appear in person.
Once the DMV approves the removal, the restriction code will be deleted from your license record. If you are renewing your license soon anyway, the new license will be printed without the restriction. If your license is not due for renewal, some states will issue a corrected license by mail at no charge; others will require you to pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to get a new card printed.
In the meantime, you must continue to wear your corrective lenses while driving. The restriction remains in effect until the DMV officially removes it from your record.
What to do if your vision does not meet the standard
If your eye exam shows your uncorrected vision does not meet your state's requirement, you cannot remove the restriction at this time. You will need to continue wearing your corrective lenses while driving.
Some states allow you to request another exam after six months or one year. If your vision has improved naturally or through treatment, a second exam might show you now meet the standard. Ask your eye care professional whether your vision is likely to improve, and ask your DMV how long you must wait before requesting a second exam.
If your vision is unlikely to improve without surgery, you have the option of exploring refractive surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) if you are a candidate. This is a personal decision with costs and risks; discuss it with your eye care provider.
State-by-state differences in the process
Most states follow the same basic steps: eye exam, mail or in-person request, restriction removal. However, some states have specific forms you must use, different vision standards, or additional requirements.
For example, some states require the eye care professional to use a state-specific form rather than just providing a written report. Others require you to appear in person at a DMV office even if you are only removing a restriction. A few states charge a fee for the restriction removal; most do not.
Check your state's DMV website or call your local office before you schedule an eye exam. This takes five minutes and prevents delays or wasted trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my glasses while waiting for the DMV to process the removal?
No. The restriction remains in effect until the DMV officially removes it from your record. Driving without your corrective lenses while the restriction is active is a violation and can result in a ticket or license suspension. You must wear your glasses or contacts until you receive confirmation that the restriction has been removed.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to remove the restriction?
No. Removing a corrective lenses restriction requires only a vision exam and a DMV paperwork update. You do not retake any written test or driving test.
What if my eye care professional's office will not provide a written report?
Ask to speak with the office manager or the eye care professional directly. DMV vision exams are a standard service, and the professional should be able to provide a written report of the results. If they refuse, find a different provider — most will cooperate.
Can I remove the restriction online?
No. You must have an in-person vision exam from a licensed eye care professional, and you must submit the results to your DMV either by mail or in person. Online vision tests do not count for this purpose.
How much does it cost to remove the restriction?
The eye exam costs $50 to $150 depending on the provider. Most states do not charge a fee to remove the restriction itself, but a few charge $5 to $15 for a replacement license card. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost.