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GOV.UK Apply for or Renew a Blue Badge

If you have a disability or health condition that affects your walking, or you have a hidden disability such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go. What is a Blue Badge?

With a Blue Badge, you have certain on-street parking concessions and some parking restrictions may not apply to you. You can have a Blue Badge if you’re a driver or a passenger. It usually lasts up to three years. You can use your Blue Badge with any car, including taxis.

Who can get one?

You’ll qualify for a Blue Badge automatically if you: 

  • get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ activity (check your decision letter if you’re not sure)
  • get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 10 points for Descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity (check your decision letter)
  • are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
  • get a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
  • received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme and have a permanent and substantial disability that affects your walking.

If you don't automatically qualify, you may still be able to get a Blue Badge. For example, if you: 

  • can’t walk at all, or you can’t walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
  • have a terminal illness, which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult, and you have a DS1500 form
  • have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but you can’t operate parking machines
  • are always a significant risk to yourself or other people when you’re near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
  • often become extremely anxious or fearful of public or open spaces
  • have any score other than 10 points under descriptor E in the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity of PIP. 

Documents you need 

Before you apply, make sure you have:

  • your National Insurance number or child reference number if you’re applying for a child
  • the number, expiry date and local council on your current blue badge, if you have one 

You’ll also need:

  • your original decision letter from the Department of Work and Pensions - if you're automatically eligible for a badge
  • details of your medical condition - if you’re not automatically eligible for a badge
  • proof of identification, for example a birth or marriage certificate, passport or driving licence 
  • a Council Tax bill from the last 3 months to prove your address - or you can give your local council permission to check their records
  • a photograph of the person the badge is for - it has to be taken with a digital camera 

Applying for a Blue Badge

You can apply for yourself, someone else or an organisation.

A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales.

They usually last up to 3 years.

You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires. 

Apply or renew online

You’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.

You’ll also need a photo or scan of your:

  • proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
  • proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
  • proof of benefits (if you get any)

You’ll also need to know:

  • your National Insurance number (if you have one)
  • the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying) 

What you need to know

How you pay depends on your local council. They’ll usually make a decision within 12 weeks. 

If your application is refused

Your council should tell you why you’re not eligible for a Blue Badge.

You can ask them to reconsider your case if you do not think all the important information you provided was taken into account.

You can also reapply if your mobility problems become more serious.

If you need help

For questions about the Blue Badge scheme contact your local council. 

Renewing your Blue Badge

You’ll need to renew your badge after 3 years. You'll also have to re-apply for a badge if you stop getting the benefit your badge is linked to.

You can renew your Blue Badge online on GOV.UK. Some councils also let you renew your Blue Badge using a paper form - contact your local council to check.

You must give your Blue Badge back to your council if you no longer need it, for example if your condition improves. You could be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t.