👁️ DMV Eye Test Online: Everything You Need to Know to Pass Your Vision Exam in 2025
If you’re getting ready to apply for or renew your driver’s license, chances are you’ll need to take a DMV vision test. For many drivers, especially during the digital shift of recent years, a common question is: “Can I take the DMV eye test online?”
This comprehensive guide will explore what the DMV eye test is, how it works, whether it can be taken online, state-specific regulations, and what to expect. We’ll also provide expert advice and resources to ensure you pass with confidence, especially if your vision isn’t perfect.
📌 What Is the DMV Eye Test?
The DMV eye test is a mandatory vision screening required for obtaining or renewing a driver’s license in the United States. Its purpose is simple: to ensure that you can see clearly enough to drive safely.
The exam usually tests:
- Visual acuity (how well you can see letters at a distance)
- Peripheral vision (your ability to see from the sides)
- Depth perception (in some cases)
- Color recognition (especially for traffic lights)
📋 DMV Eye Test Requirements by State
| State | Visual Acuity Standard | Restrictions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20/40 in both eyes | 20/50–20/60: Daytime driving only; <20/60: License denied. |
| Alaska | 20/40 in at least one eye | Field of vision must be 70° in at least one eye; <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Arizona | 20/40 in at least one eye | Field of vision must be 70° in at least one eye; <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Arkansas | 20/40 uncorrected; 20/50 corrected | 20/60: Daytime driving only; <20/60: License denied. |
| California | 20/40 in both eyes; 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other | <20/40: Vision specialist report required; <20/200: License denied. |
| Colorado | 20/40 in at least one eye | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Connecticut | 20/40 in both eyes or better eye | 20/50–20/70: Daytime driving only; <20/70: License denied. |
| Delaware | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Florida | 20/70 in either eye or both eyes together | If one eye is 20/200 or worse, the other must be 20/40 or better; <20/70: License denied. |
| Georgia | 20/60 in at least one eye | <20/60: License denied. |
| Hawaii | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Idaho | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Illinois | 20/40 in both eyes | 20/41–20/70: Daytime driving only; <20/70: License denied. |
| Indiana | 20/40 in both eyes | 20/50–20/70: Daytime driving only; <20/70: License denied. |
| Iowa | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Kansas | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Kentucky | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Louisiana | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Maine | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Maryland | 20/40 in each eye | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Massachusetts | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Michigan | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Minnesota | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Mississippi | 20/40 in both eyes | 20/50–20/70: Daytime driving only; <20/70: License denied. |
| Missouri | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Montana | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Nebraska | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Nevada | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| New Hampshire | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| New Jersey | 20/50 in both eyes | <20/50: Vision specialist report required. |
| New Mexico | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| New York | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| North Carolina | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| North Dakota | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Ohio | 20/40 in both eyes | 20/41–20/70: Daytime driving only; <20/70: License denied. |
| Oklahoma | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Oregon | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Pennsylvania | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Rhode Island | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| South Carolina | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| South Dakota | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Tennessee | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Texas | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Utah | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Vermont | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Virginia | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Washington | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| West Virginia | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Wisconsin | 20/40 in both eyes | <20/40: Vision specialist report required. |
| Wyoming | 20/50 in both eyes | <20/50: Vision specialist report required. |
🧑⚕️ What Happens During the In-Person DMV Vision Test?
At the DMV office, your vision test usually involves a Snellen chart or a screening machine. You’ll be asked to:
- Read letters from a distance (each eye separately and both eyes together).
- Identify peripheral lights or flashing symbols.
- Use your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them.
If you don’t meet the standard, you may be referred for a full eye exam with a licensed specialist and required to submit a vision report form.
🌐 Can You Take the DMV Eye Test Online?
Yes, in some states. However, this doesn’t mean you take the test yourself on a website. It means you visit an authorized vision provider who can electronically submit your results to the DMV.
✅ States That Accept Online Vision Test Submissions:
- New York: Vision Registry Providers submit results online
- Florida: Online submissions allowed through certified providers
- California: You may upload vision forms during online renewals
- Texas: Vision results can be submitted by optometrists
Note: You cannot self-administer or upload an online eye test from home. Only professionals can submit valid results.
🔍 What Is an Authorized Online Vision Provider?
These are licensed eye care professionals or chain vision centers approved by the state DMV to:
- Perform a valid vision screening
- Digitally file your results with the DMV
Examples include:
- CVS Optical
- LensCrafters
- Pearle Vision
- Walmart Vision Center
- Visibly (telehealth-based, in select states)
🕒 When Can You Take the Eye Test Online?
You may be eligible if:
- You’re renewing a license, not applying for your first one
- Your vision is stable and meets previous DMV requirements
- Your state permits remote provider submission
🧪 How to Prepare for the DMV Eye Test
- Check your vision with online Snellen charts (for practice only)
- Update your prescription if needed
- Download the official DMV vision form (e.g., DL-62, MV-619)
- Choose a provider from the DMV’s approved list
🔄 What If You Fail the DMV Eye Test?
If your vision doesn’t meet the minimum standard:
- You’ll be referred to an optometrist
- You may receive a restricted license (e.g., corrective lenses required, no night driving)
- You can re-test after correcting your vision
📱 Example: DMV Eye Test in New York
- Schedule an exam with a Vision Registry Provider
- Complete the test (in person or tele-optometry)
- Provider submits results to the DMV system
- Renew your license online with proof of passed vision test
🔍 Online DMV Eye Test Myths Busted
- Myth: You can test your eyes at home and submit it.
Fact: Only licensed providers can submit results. - Myth: Vision tests are optional.
Fact: They’re required in nearly every state. - Myth: One good eye is enough.
Fact: You need to meet state-defined acuity standards.
🧓 DMV Vision Rules for Seniors
For older drivers (60+), some states have stricter policies such as:
- Mandatory vision testing with every renewal
- Shorter license renewal cycles
- Possible restrictions (e.g., daylight driving only)
🧾 DMV Vision Form Names by State
| State | Vision Form Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Eye Examination Form | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| Alaska | Eye Examination and Physician or Optometrist Report | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Arizona | Vision Examination Report | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Arkansas | Vision Report Form | Used when vision standards are not met. |
| California | Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) | Required if vision screening is not passed; completed by eye specialist. |
| Colorado | Eye Examination Report | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Connecticut | Vision Screening Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Delaware | Report of Visual Status by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist | Required if vision standards are not met; includes detailed visual acuity measurements. |
| Florida | Vision Examination Report | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Georgia | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Hawaii | Eye Examination Form | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Idaho | Vision Examination Report | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| Illinois | Vision Specialist Report | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Indiana | Certificate of Vision (State Form 22106) | Submitted when vision does not meet standards; completed by eye care professional. |
| Iowa | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Kansas | Vision Form DV-124V | Required if vision standards are not met; completed by eye specialist. |
| Kentucky | Vision Examination Report | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Louisiana | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Maine | Eye Examination Form | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Maryland | Vision Screening Form | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| Massachusetts | Vision Examination Report | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Michigan | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Minnesota | Vision Examination Report | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Mississippi | Eye Examination Form | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| Missouri | Vision Examination Record (Form 999) | Used when vision does not meet standards; completed by eye specialist. |
| Montana | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Nebraska | Eye Examination Form | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Nevada | Vision Examination Report | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| New Hampshire | Vision Report Form | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| New Jersey | Eye Examination Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| New Mexico | Vision Report Form | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| New York | Vision Test Report (MV-619) | Used for submitting vision test results; can be entered online by approved providers. |
| North Carolina | Vision Examination Report | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| North Dakota | Eye Examination Form | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Ohio | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Oklahoma | Vision Examination Report | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Oregon | Eye Examination Form | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| Pennsylvania | Vision Report Form | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Rhode Island | Eye Examination Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| South Carolina | Vision Examination Report | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| South Dakota | Eye Examination Form | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| Tennessee | Eye Specialist Form | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Texas | Explanation for Eye Specialist (DL-63) | Required if vision standards are not met; completed by eye specialist. |
| Utah | Vision Report Form | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
| Vermont | Eye Examination Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Virginia | Customer Vision Report (MED 4) | Used for medical review or license renewal; must be submitted within 90 days. |
| Washington | Vision Examination Report | Required if vision standards are not met. |
| West Virginia | Eye Examination Form | Used when vision does not meet standards. |
| Wisconsin | Vision Report Form | Required for drivers with vision issues. |
| Wyoming | Eye Examination Form | Submitted when vision does not meet standards. |
💡 Tips to Pass the DMV Eye Test
- Get proper sleep before testing
- Avoid screen time before your appointment
- Wear your updated glasses or lenses
- Print a Snellen chart and practice from 10 feet away
- Choose a state-approved provider
🧠 DMV Eye Test FAQ
Q: Can I take the DMV eye test from home?
A: No, it must be conducted by a professional and submitted digitally.
Q: Can I submit my own eye exam results?
A: In most cases, your provider must send it directly to the DMV.
Q: Is the eye test required for all ages?
A: Yes, all new drivers and most renewing drivers must pass it.
Q: What happens if I pass with glasses?
A: Your license will have a “corrective lenses required” restriction.
🏁 Final Thoughts
With the rise of online DMV eye test options and third-party providers, it’s easier than ever to stay compliant and keep your vision sharp for safe driving. Whether renewing or applying for the first time, don’t overlook the importance of your vision exam.
Take it seriously, plan ahead, and consult your local DMV website for the most accurate instructions in your state.
Clear eyes. Safe roads. Happy driving from Team DMVExamPractice.com!