What is a blue badge?
Blue badge permits provide parking concessions if you have severe mobility problems and have difficulty using public transport. Blue badge holders can either be the driver or the passenger of a vehicle they are travelling in.
Who can have a blue badge?
Mandatory blue badge
You qualify for a mandatory blue badge without any assessment if you are over two years old and you:
- Are registered as blind.
- Receive a higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
- Receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement.
Discretionary blue badge
You (or your representative) will need to complete a self assessment (which is part of the blue badge application form) to prove you are eligible for a discretionary blue badge if you are:
- Over two years of age and have permanent and substantial disability which means you cannot walk, or makes walking very difficult.
- Drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable to or would find it difficult to operate all or some types of parking meter.
- Apply on behalf of a child under the age of two who has a medical condition that requires bulky medical equipment or immediate access to a vehicle for treatment.
Renewing your blue badge
You must renew your blue badge every three years. Please note that we do not send out reminders, so you are responsible for renewing your badge.
You will need the details of your current badge to hand when applying for a renewal.
How to apply
You must apply for new and renewal applications online.
Mandatory badge
If you are applying for a mandatory badge please complete the online form. You will need to send your proof of entitlement and photo ID to the address which is listed on the Direct Gov confirmation page. A £10 application fee is also payable. Details of where to send payment is also listed on the Direct Gov form.
Discretionary badge
If you are applying for a discretionary badge, please complete the online form and send any proof of entitlement to the address stated on the Direct Gov confirmation page. Once your request has been assessed you will be contacted and asked for payment of the £10 fee.
Proof of entitlement
Mandatory blue badge
If you are applying for a mandatory badge, please supply any of the following, which must be dated within the last 12 months.
- Your Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Benefit Award letter confirming entitlement to higher rate mobility component.
- War Pension confirming mobility component.
- Blind registration card.
Discretionary blue badge
If you do not hold any of the above you may still be entitled to a discretionary blue badge. If you have received an acceptance letter, please supply one item from the following list, dated within the last 12 months:
- Utility bill, rent or pension book.
- Bank statement.
- Valid driving licence (card or paper version).
- DWP or DLA benefit.
- Tax credit award or Inland Revenue letter.
Requirements for under 16's
In addition to the above being provided for the parent/guardian we will also need the child's DLA award letter, showing their entitlement, if you are applying for a discretionary badge. If the blue badge is being issued following a successful GP referral, the child's full birth or adoption certificate must be provided.
Proof of identity required for both types of badges
In addition, you will need to bring one item from the following list, dated within the last 12 months:
- Marriage, birth or adoption certificate (must be full certificate with parents details).
- Valid driving licence (card or paper version).
- Valid passport.
- Pension award letter.
- Tax credit award or Inland Revenue letter.
- DWP or DLA benefit award.
- National identity card.
Photographs required
You will also need to bring:
- One passport sized photograph.
Notes on photographs
- Please supply a recent, clear and front facing picture of the applicant's full face.
- It is not acceptable to wear a hat or scarf. In the case of religious preferences, the scarf should not hide your face.
- If you are wearing dark lenses, we may require you to provide a new picture without glasses, unless you are registered blind.
Rights and responsibilities
The Department for Transport has developed a useful guide for blue badge holders. It explains your responsibilities as a badge holder as well as how to display the badge and when you need to use a parking clock. Visit the Department for Transport website to find out more.