What the corrective lenses restriction means and how to remove it
A corrective lenses restriction on your Florida driver's license means you are legally required to wear glasses or contact lenses whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a code — usually "01" — and law enforcement can cite you if you drive without them. To remove it, you must pass a vision test without corrective lenses at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office, proving your uncorrected vision now meets the state standard of 20/40 or better in each eye.
The restriction is placed on your license during your original vision screening if your uncorrected vision falls below 20/40. It does not mean your vision has permanently disqualified you — it means you needed correction at that moment. If your vision has improved through surgery, a new prescription, or natural change, you can have the restriction removed by taking a new vision test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office in person and pass a vision screening without wearing glasses or contacts to remove the restriction.
- Your uncorrected vision must measure 20/40 or better in each eye to pass; this is the legal minimum for driving without correction in Florida.
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to your appointment.
- Vision correction surgery, a new prescription, or natural improvement in your eyesight are common reasons the restriction can be removed.
- There is no fee to remove the restriction during a vision retest, though you may pay a fee if you need to renew your license at the same time.
When you can remove the restriction
You can remove the corrective lenses restriction at any time after it is placed on your license, as long as your uncorrected vision now meets Florida's standard. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. Many people remove the restriction after vision correction surgery (LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery), after getting a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription that significantly improves their vision, or straightforward because their natural vision has improved over time.
If you have had vision surgery, wait until your eye doctor confirms your vision has stabilized before attempting the test — usually four to six weeks after the procedure, though this varies. Attempting the test too early, when your vision is still changing, will result in failure and you will have to wait before trying again.
How to schedule and prepare for the vision test
Contact your local DHSMV office directly to schedule a vision screening appointment. You can find the office nearest you on the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) or by calling 1-844-435-2423. Not all DHSMV offices offer vision testing, so confirm that your chosen location provides this service when you call. Some offices accept walk-ins for vision tests, but scheduling ahead is faster and more reliable.
Bring your current Florida driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current Florida address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Arrive without wearing glasses or contact lenses — the test must be performed on your uncorrected vision. If you wear contacts, remove them at least one hour before your appointment to allow your eyes to return to their natural state.
What happens during the vision test
The vision screening takes about five to ten minutes. An DHSMV examiner will use a machine called a phoropter or a handheld vision screener to measure your uncorrected vision in each eye separately. You will be asked to read letters or identify symbols at a standard distance. The examiner will not dilate your pupils or perform a comprehensive eye exam — this is a basic screening only.
You must achieve 20/40 or better in each eye to pass. If one eye measures worse than 20/40, you will fail the test and the restriction will remain on your license. You can retake the test, but most DHSMV offices require you to wait at least 30 days before scheduling another attempt. If you fail, ask the examiner for a written record of your results to share with your eye doctor, who can help you understand whether further correction or treatment might help you pass on your next try.
What to do if you fail the vision test
Failing the vision test does not penalize you or change your license status — the restriction straightforward stays in place. However, you should follow up with an eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) to discuss why your uncorrected vision did not meet the standard. They may recommend a new eyeglass prescription, contact lens fitting, or evaluation for vision correction surgery if you are a candidate.
Some people find that a new prescription or contact lens prescription allows them to pass the uncorrected vision test on a second attempt, even without surgery. Others discover that their vision cannot be corrected enough to meet the 20/40 standard, in which case the restriction will remain necessary for legal and safe driving. Your eye doctor can help you understand your options and timeline for a future retest.
Removing the restriction during a license renewal
If your license is expiring soon, you can remove the restriction and renew your license in the same visit. Schedule your appointment at a DHSMV office that handles both vision testing and license renewals. Bring all documents required for renewal (your current license, proof of residency, and valid ID) along with the vision test documents. You will pay the standard license renewal fee but no additional charge for the vision retest.
If you pass the vision test during renewal, the new license you receive will not carry the corrective lenses code. If you fail the vision test, your renewed license will still show the restriction. You can always attempt the vision test again at a later date without waiting for your license to expire.
Understanding the vision standard and your options
Florida's 20/40 uncorrected vision standard means you can read letters on a vision chart from 20 feet away that a person with perfect vision can read from 40 feet away. This is the legal minimum for driving without correction in Florida. Many people with worse uncorrected vision can still drive safely with glasses or contacts, which is why the restriction exists — it ensures you are using the correction you need.
If you cannot pass the uncorrected vision test but can pass it with glasses or contacts, keep the restriction on your license and continue wearing your correction while driving. This is the safest and most common outcome. The restriction is not a permanent mark against you; it straightforward reflects your current vision needs and protects you and others on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eye doctor's note to remove the restriction?
No. You do not need a letter from your eye doctor or any medical documentation. The DHSMV vision test is the only requirement. However, if you have had vision surgery, bring documentation of the surgery date so the examiner knows your vision has had time to stabilize.
What if I wear contacts and want to remove the restriction?
You must take the vision test without contacts in your eyes. Remove them at least one hour before your appointment. If your uncorrected vision (without any correction at all) meets 20/40, the restriction can be removed. If it does not, you will need to continue wearing contacts while driving.
Can I remove the restriction online or by mail?
No. You must appear in person at a DHSMV office to take the vision test. There is no online or mail-in option for vision screening or restriction removal.
How long does it take to remove the restriction after I pass the test?
If you pass the vision test and your license is not expiring, the restriction is removed when ready and you will receive a corrected license in the mail within one to two weeks. If you renew your license at the same time, the new license with the restriction removed will arrive within the standard renewal timeframe, usually two to three weeks.
Will removing the restriction cost me anything?
The vision test itself is free. If you renew your license at the same time, you will pay the standard renewal fee (currently $75 for an eight-year license in Florida, though this may vary). If you only take the vision test without renewing, there is no charge.