Window Tint Training California
The Best Window Tinting Course for California Tinters
California is the biggest car market in America — and the competition for tint jobs is fierce. A 3-day workshop won't prepare you. Tint School Online gives you unlimited lifetime access to 400+ tutorials, a complete business blueprint, and a 3,000+ member community so you can actually compete.
The California Opportunity
Window Tinting in California — Market Overview
California isn't just the biggest car market in the United States — it's the biggest window tinting market on the planet. With nearly 40 million residents, over 30 million registered vehicles, and year-round sunshine from San Diego to Sacramento, the demand for professional window tinting never slows down. For trained tinters, this is the promised land.
But California is also one of the most competitive states in the country for automotive services. There are tint shops on every corner in LA, San Diego, and the Bay Area. The tinters who survive and thrive here are the ones with elite skills, a real business system, and the ability to market themselves professionally. That's exactly what Tint School Online was built for — not just teaching you how to apply film, but teaching you how to build a business that dominates your local market.
California's strict tint laws (70% VLT on front side windows) also mean customers need a tinter who actually understands the regulations. Uneducated installers put dark tint on front windows and leave their customers with fix-it tickets. A properly trained tinter knows the law, explains it to the client, and builds trust — which is how you get referrals and repeat business for life.
California Climate & Demand
Year-round UV exposure, extreme Central Valley heat, and coastal glare make window tinting a year-round necessity across the state. Ceramic and high-performance films are in particularly high demand, and California customers are willing to pay premium prices for quality installation.
The Truth About California Tint Classes
Why 3-Day In-Person Classes Don't Work
We hear the same story every week. Someone in California pays $2,000-$5,000 for a weekend tint class, gets a basic rundown, goes home, and immediately gets stuck. Here's why.
Typical California In-Person Class
You pay $2,000-$5,000+ for 2-3 days of rushed instruction
You're expected to absorb weeks of knowledge in a single weekend
No recordings — if you miss something, it's gone forever
Zero business training (no pricing, no marketing, no scaling)
No community or ongoing support after you walk out the door
If you hire an employee later, you pay the full price again
Most students forget 70%+ of what they learned within a week
The instructor has one shop — not a proven, scalable system
Tint School Online
One payment of $349 — lifetime access to everything, forever
400+ HD video tutorials you can watch, rewatch, and pause anytime
6 complete courses covering every technique and vehicle type
Full Business Blueprint: pricing, marketing, operations, scaling
3,000+ member private community for daily support and mentorship
Train your employees for free — one account, unlimited team access
Built by the team behind 150+ tint locations worldwide
Certificate of completion + professional website included free
The trade is too vast to master in 3 days. Window tinting has hundreds of techniques, dozens of vehicle shapes, multiple film brands with different properties, and a business side that nobody teaches in person. Our students come back to the tutorials constantly — revisiting techniques as they encounter new challenges on the job. That's the power of lifetime access. You can't get that from a weekend workshop.
Why 3,000+ Students Chose TSO
Built by the Team Behind 150+ Tint Locations Worldwide
Most California tint classes are run by a guy with one shop and a weekend to kill. Tint School Online was built by Elliot Baker — the founder of Global Tint, a company with over 150 window tinting locations worldwide. That's not a typo. One hundred and fifty.
Elliot started tinting cars out of a garage in 2010 with no money, no connections, and no plan B. He built the UK's largest window tinting company, then moved to the USA and launched Tint School Online to give others the shortcut he never had. Every technique, every business secret, every mistake — distilled into one program.
Over 3,000 students have enrolled. That's not an email list — that's 3,000+ people who put their money down, went through the training, and built real businesses. The private community is active every single day with wins, questions, and support.
150+
Window tinting locations built from this system worldwide
3,000+
Students trained — the world's largest tint training community
$15M+
Industry revenue generated by Elliot and the Global Tint network
4.9★
Average student rating across all platforms
Real Student Reviews
What Our Students Say About Tint School Online
Over 3,000 students from every state — including California — have trained with Tint School Online. Here's what they have to say.
“I went from zero experience to making over $23K a month. TSO gave me everything — the skills, the business plan, and a community that actually helps. Best investment I ever made.”
Joshua
Top Notch Tint — Yulee, FL
“I was working a 9-5 and hated it. Found TSO, went through the courses, and now I'm doing nearly $20K/month with my own shop. The business blueprint alone is worth 10x the price.”
Kenny
Automotive Restyle — Boardman, OH
“I had no background in trades at all. Now I'm making over $4,000 a day. The tutorials are incredibly detailed and you can rewatch them whenever you need. No 3-day class comes close.”
Tom
All American Tinting — Fort Worth, TX
“Hit $100K in revenue in my first 208 days. I was a complete beginner. The community support is what separates TSO from everything else — you're never stuck alone.”
Brandon
Dynamic Tinting — Riverton, UT
“I actually took a 3-day in-person class before finding TSO. Night and day difference. TSO teaches you the business side that nobody else covers. I doubled my revenue in 3 months.”
Marcus
Elite Auto Films — Charlotte, NC
“Living in Arizona, tint demand is insane. TSO trained me right and the business blueprint helped me price correctly from day one. Already booked out 2 weeks in advance.”
Derek
Desert Shade Tinting — Phoenix, AZ
California Regulations
Window Tint Laws in California
Understanding California's tint laws is critical for any professional tinter. Customers trust you to keep them legal. Installing tint that's too dark on the wrong windows leads to fix-it tickets, unhappy customers, and damaged reputation.
A properly trained tinter doesn't just know how to apply film — they know the law, explain the options clearly, and build trust that generates referrals. Tint School Online covers state-specific regulations as part of the Business Blueprint so you always install with confidence.
* Laws are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with your local California DMV or law enforcement agency.
California Tint Law Summary
| Window Position | Legal Limit |
|---|---|
| Front Side Windows | 70% VLT |
| Rear Side Windows | Any darkness |
| Rear Windshield | Any darkness |
| Windshield | Top 4 inches (non-reflective) |
Getting Started
How to Start a Window Tinting Business in California
Starting a window tinting business in California is one of the smartest moves you can make as an entrepreneur. The startup costs are remarkably low compared to most trades — typically under $2,000 for basic equipment and supplies. And unlike a restaurant or retail store, you don't need a physical location to start. Many of the most successful tinters in California began as mobile operations, tinting cars in customers' driveways and parking lots.
The first step is getting properly trained — and that's where most people make their first mistake. They search for “window tint training near me” or “tint classes in California” and find a local shop offering a 2-3 day workshop for $2,000-$5,000. They sign up, learn the absolute basics, and leave without any business knowledge, marketing strategy, or ongoing support. Within a few weeks, they're stuck.
Tint School Online takes a different approach. Instead of cramming everything into a weekend, we give you 400+ HD video tutorials across 6 complete courses that you can access forever. Learn at your pace. Rewatch the tricky techniques. Master every vehicle type from flat side windows to complex curved rear windshields. And when you're ready to launch your business, the Business Blueprint walks you through everything: pricing, marketing, acquiring your first customers, and scaling from a side hustle to a full-time operation.
Here's the reality that the in-person classes don't want you to know: window tinting is a trade that takes months of practice to get truly good at. Not days. Months. You're going to encounter back windows that don't cooperate, customers with unrealistic expectations, and film that just won't lay down the way you want. When that happens — and it will happen — you need a resource to go back to. You need to be able to pull up a tutorial, watch a technique demonstration, and get help from a community of 3,000+ other tinters who have been through the exact same challenges.
That's the difference between a weekend class and a real training system. One gives you a taste. The other gives you a career.
Quick Facts
Serving All of California
Top Cities for Window Tinting in California
Our online training is available everywhere in California. No matter which city you're in, you get the same world-class education and lifetime support.
Los Angeles
Pop. 3.9M
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San Diego
Pop. 1.4M
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San Jose
Pop. 997K
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San Francisco
Pop. 828K
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Fresno
Pop. 550K
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Sacramento
Pop. 536K
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Long Beach
Pop. 451K
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Oakland
Pop. 444K
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Bakersfield
Pop. 417K
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Anaheim
Pop. 345K
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Stockton
Pop. 325K
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Riverside
Pop. 324K
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Irvine
Pop. 319K
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Santa Ana
Pop. 316K
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Chula Vista
Pop. 279K
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Santa Clarita
Pop. 229K
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Fremont
Pop. 228K
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San Bernardino
Pop. 225K
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Modesto
Pop. 221K
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Fontana
Pop. 218K
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Moreno Valley
Pop. 214K
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Oxnard
Pop. 201K
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Huntington Beach
Pop. 193K
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Glendale
Pop. 188K
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Ontario
Pop. 185K
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Elk Grove
Pop. 183K
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Santa Rosa
Pop. 178K
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Rancho Cucamonga
Pop. 177K
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Garden Grove
Pop. 172K
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Oceanside
Pop. 171K
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Lancaster
Pop. 167K
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Roseville
Pop. 163K
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Palmdale
Pop. 163K
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Corona
Pop. 162K
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Salinas
Pop. 164K
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Hayward
Pop. 162K
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Sunnyvale
Pop. 158K
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Pomona
Pop. 153K
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Escondido
Pop. 151K
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Torrance
Pop. 144K
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Visalia
Pop. 142K
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Fullerton
Pop. 141K
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Orange
Pop. 140K
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Pasadena
Pop. 139K
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Victorville
Pop. 135K
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Concord
Pop. 131K
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Thousand Oaks
Pop. 127K
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Simi Valley
Pop. 127K
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Santa Clara
Pop. 128K
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Clovis
Pop. 121K
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Vallejo
Pop. 122K
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Berkeley
Pop. 124K
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Antioch
Pop. 116K
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Carlsbad
Pop. 115K
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Jurupa Valley
Pop. 115K
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Murrieta
Pop. 114K
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Temecula
Pop. 112K
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Richmond
Pop. 116K
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El Monte
Pop. 113K
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Costa Mesa
Pop. 113K
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Downey
Pop. 112K
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Santa Maria
Pop. 111K
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Inglewood
Pop. 108K
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Menifee
Pop. 103K
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West Covina
Pop. 107K
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Burbank
Pop. 107K
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Norwalk
Pop. 106K
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San Mateo
Pop. 106K
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Daly City
Pop. 105K
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El Cajon
Pop. 106K
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Rialto
Pop. 105K
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Vista
Pop. 102K
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Vacaville
Pop. 104K
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Hesperia
Pop. 100K
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Chico
Pop. 101K
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Compton
Pop. 98K
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San Marcos
Pop. 97K
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Carson
Pop. 96K
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Mission Viejo
Pop. 96K
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South Gate
Pop. 94K
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Tracy
Pop. 94K
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Westminster
Pop. 92K
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San Leandro
Pop. 91K
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Hemet
Pop. 91K
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Livermore
Pop. 90K
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Indio
Pop. 93K
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Redding
Pop. 93K
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Manteca
Pop. 89K
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Lake Forest
Pop. 86K
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Whittier
Pop. 87K
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Newport Beach
Pop. 86K
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San Ramon
Pop. 85K
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Buena Park
Pop. 83K
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Alhambra
Pop. 83K
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Mountain View
Pop. 82K
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Milpitas
Pop. 80K
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Tustin
Pop. 81K
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Folsom
Pop. 82K
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Napa
Pop. 80K
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Upland
Pop. 80K
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Bellflower
Pop. 79K
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Alameda
Pop. 80K
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Perris
Pop. 81K
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Rancho Cordova
Pop. 79K
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Pittsburg
Pop. 76K
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Turlock
Pop. 76K
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Apple Valley
Pop. 76K
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Redlands
Pop. 74K
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Lake Elsinore
Pop. 73K
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Eastvale
Pop. 73K
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Rocklin
Pop. 73K
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Dublin
Pop. 74K
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Lynwood
Pop. 72K
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Camarillo
Pop. 71K
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Walnut Creek
Pop. 71K
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Yuba City
Pop. 71K
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Tulare
Pop. 68K
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Brentwood
Pop. 67K
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Woodland
Pop. 63K
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Davis
Pop. 67K
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Lodi
Pop. 68K
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Madera
Pop. 66K
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South San Francisco
Pop. 68K
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San Clemente
Pop. 65K
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Laguna Niguel
Pop. 66K
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Encinitas
Pop. 64K
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Pico Rivera
Pop. 64K
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Montebello
Pop. 63K
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Petaluma
Pop. 61K
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La Habra
Pop. 63K
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San Rafael
Pop. 61K
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National City
Pop. 61K
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Porterville
Pop. 61K
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Santee
Pop. 62K
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La Mesa
Pop. 61K
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Cupertino
Pop. 61K
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Hanford
Pop. 59K
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Gilroy
Pop. 60K
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Highland
Pop. 57K
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Arcadia
Pop. 58K
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Diamond Bar
Pop. 57K
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Fountain Valley
Pop. 57K
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Colton
Pop. 56K
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Yucaipa
Pop. 56K
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Rosemead
Pop. 55K
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Novato
Pop. 56K
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Watsonville
Pop. 55K
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Beaumont
Pop. 55K
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West Sacramento
Pop. 54K
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Palm Desert
Pop. 54K
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Cathedral City
Pop. 54K
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Delano
Pop. 54K
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Paramount
Pop. 55K
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Glendora
Pop. 53K
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Placentia
Pop. 52K
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Ceres
Pop. 50K
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La Mirada
Pop. 49K
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Cypress
Pop. 50K
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Rancho Santa Margarita
Pop. 49K
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Palm Springs
Pop. 49K
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San Luis Obispo
Pop. 48K
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Azusa
Pop. 50K
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Poway
Pop. 49K
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Coachella
Pop. 47K
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San Bruno
Pop. 45K
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Lompoc
Pop. 45K
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Brea
Pop. 45K
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Bell Gardens
Pop. 43K
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Frequently Asked Questions
Window Tint Training in California — FAQ
How much does window tint training in California cost?
In-person tint classes in California typically charge $2,000–$5,000 for just 2-3 days of instruction. Tint School Online costs $349 — a one-time payment for lifetime access to 400+ tutorials, 6 courses, a full business blueprint, a professional website, and a community of 3,000+ students. It's not even close.
Can I learn window tinting online instead of attending a class in California?
Absolutely. In fact, online training is objectively better for a trade as complex as window tinting. You get unlimited replay access (critical for mastering techniques), business training that in-person classes never include, and lifetime community support. Many of our top-earning graduates specifically chose TSO over local California classes for these reasons.
How long does it take to learn window tinting?
Most Tint School Online students feel confident tinting their first vehicles within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice. The course includes over 60 hours of instruction covering everything from basic flat glass to complex curved rear windshields. Because you have lifetime access, you can revisit any technique whenever you need a refresher — something a 3-day class can't offer.
What are the window tint laws in California?
California allows 70% VLT on front side windows, any darkness on rear side windows, any darkness on the rear windshield, and tint on the windshield strip (top 4 inches (non-reflective)). Knowing these limits is essential — installing tint that's too dark leads to fix-it tickets and unhappy customers. Tint School Online's Business Blueprint covers state-specific tint regulations so you can advise clients confidently and avoid costly mistakes.
Is window tinting a good career in California?
Yes. Professional window tinters in California regularly earn $50,000–$150,000+ per year, with top earners exceeding $200,000. Startup costs are low (under $2,000), profit margins are high (90%+ on materials), and demand is consistent year-round. It's one of the best trades you can enter, especially in California's market.
What if I already took an in-person class and I'm still struggling?
You're not alone — many of our 3,000+ students came to TSO after doing a 3-day in-person class and realising they needed more. The trade is simply too vast to learn in a weekend. With TSO, you can go back to any technique, rewatch at your own pace, get help from the community, and actually master the skills that the in-person class only scratched the surface of.
Do I need a license to tint windows in California?
Most states, including California, do not require a specific "tinting license" to install window film. However, you may need a general business license or contractor registration depending on your local municipality. Some California counties also require sales tax registration. Tint School Online's Business Blueprint walks you through every step of setting up your business legally, from registration to insurance to invoicing.
What equipment do I need to start a window tinting business?
You can start tinting professionally with under $2,000 in equipment. The basics include a heat gun, squeegees, a plotter or utility knife, application solution, and your first rolls of film. Many successful tinters start mobile — meaning you don't need a shop. Tint School Online's Business Blueprint covers exactly what to buy, where to buy it, and how to set up your workspace whether you're working from a garage, a mobile van, or a full shop.
Recommended Reading for California Tinters
Explore articles relevant to starting and growing your tinting business.
What's Inside
See Everything You Get with Tint School Online
We didn't build just a course — we built the complete system for launching a window tinting career. 400+ HD tutorials, 6 full courses, a Business Blueprint, a professional website, 44 templates, and a 3,000+ member community. All for a one-time payment with lifetime access.
Watch the 2-min Course Preview
2 min 47 sec — See inside the course platform
Ready to Start Your Window Tinting Career in California?
Join 3,000+ students from across the USA who chose Tint School Online over expensive weekend workshops. Lifetime access. Business training. A community that has your back.