Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?

You may be eligible if you:

• Receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Receive the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Receive Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• Receive a lump sum payment within tariff levels 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
• Are registered blind

You may also qualify if you:

• Have a severe walking disability that means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult
• Experience considerable difficulty or risk when walking
• Have a terminal illness
• Have a non-visible (hidden) disability that affects your ability to walk, such as a mental health condition, learning disability, or autism

What information is needed to apply?

When applying, you'll need to provide:

• Your National Insurance number
• A recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of address (dated within the last 12 months)
• Detailed information about your condition and how it affects your walking
• Information about any equipment you use (wheelchair, walking frame, prosthetic limb)
• Medical documentation to support your application (if applicable)
• Details of medication you take regularly
• Information about any treatment you're receiving

How do I apply for a Blue Badge?

You can apply or reapply online via the GOV.UK website. The application process is straightforward:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Upload required documents and photo
3. Pay the application fee (if applicable - varies by local authority)
4. Wait for your local council to process your application

If you're unable to apply online, you can request a paper form from your local council.

How long does it take to get a Blue Badge?

Your local council must make a decision within 12 weeks of receiving your application. However, many applications are processed more quickly than this.

If your application is straightforward and you automatically qualify (for example, if you receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA), the process may be faster.

How long is a Blue Badge valid?

Badges usually last up to three years, depending on your circumstances. In some cases, badges may be issued for shorter periods.

You must reapply before your badge expires. It's recommended to apply 12 weeks before expiry.

How much does a Blue Badge cost?

The cost varies by local authority but is typically up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland. In Wales, Blue Badges are free of charge.

Check with your local council for their specific fee.

Designated Disabled Parking Bays

You can park for free and without time limit in on-street disabled bays, unless signs indicate otherwise. Always try to use these spaces first as they're designed for your needs.

Single or Double Yellow Lines

You may park for up to 3 hours, provided there are no loading restrictions (shown by yellow kerb dashes or signs on plates). You must display your parking clock showing your arrival time.

You must wait at least one hour after a previous period of parking before you can park the same vehicle in the same road or part of a road on the same day.

Pay and Display Bays and Parking Meters

Badge holders may park for free and generally without time limit, unless signs say otherwise. However, if signs show a time limit for badge holders, you must comply with this and display your parking clock.

Off-Street Car Parks

Rules vary by location:

• Council-owned car parks: Usually offer free or discounted parking for Blue Badge holders
• Private car parks: (such as supermarkets, hospitals, or shopping centres) set their own rules, and you may still need to pay
• Always check the signs when you arrive

How should I display my Blue Badge?

When using parking concessions, you must display the badge on the dashboard or facia panel, where it can be clearly read through the front windscreen.

The front of the badge should face upwards, showing the wheelchair symbol. The side showing the photograph should NOT be visible through the windscreen.

You must also display your parking clock (showing your time of arrival) when parking on yellow lines or in time-limited bays.

What if my badge becomes faded or illegible?

You must return the badge to your local authority so they can issue you with a new one. Displaying a badge that is illegible may result in a parking fine.

Is the badge personal to me?

Yes, the badge is for your use and benefit only. It must only be displayed if you are travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or if someone is collecting you or dropping you off and needs to park at the place where you are being collected or dropped.

Can I lend my badge to someone else?

No. You cannot lend your badge to friends or family to allow them to park for free, even if they are visiting you or running errands on your behalf, unless you are travelling with them.

Can someone use my badge to do shopping for me?

No. Do not allow other people to use the badge to do something on your behalf, such as shopping or collecting something for you, unless you are travelling with them in the vehicle.

What if my badge is lost or stolen?

You must report it to your local council immediately and apply for a replacement. There will be a replacement fee.

If your badge is stolen, you should also report it to the police and obtain a crime reference number.

What if I no longer need my badge?

You must return it to your local council. This includes situations where:

• The badge has expired
• Your medical condition or mobility improves and you're no longer eligible
• A replacement badge has been issued and the original is found
• The badge becomes damaged or illegible
• The badge is no longer required
• The badge holder has died (should be returned by family or representatives)

Can I use my Blue Badge outside of the UK?

Blue Badges may be recognised in some EU countries, but since Brexit, there is no obligation for EU countries to do so. The Blue Badge scheme operates in other countries, including throughout the European Union, but parking concessions can vary significantly.

Some countries may offer reciprocal arrangements, while others may not recognise UK Blue Badges at all.

What should I do before travelling abroad?

Before travelling, you should:

• Check the GOV.UK website for information about the country you're visiting
• Contact the tourist board or embassy of your destination country
• Research local parking arrangements and accessibility
• Consider hiring an adapted vehicle if needed
• Keep copies of your Blue Badge and supporting documents

Can I use my Blue Badge in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

Yes, Blue Badges issued in England are valid throughout the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, there may be some local variations in parking concessions, so always check local signs.

Who can inspect my Blue Badge?

Police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants, and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect your badge.

These officials should produce an identity card with their photograph to prove who they are. If any of these people ask to see your badge, you must show it to them.

If you refuse to show your badge when asked, you could be fined up to £1,000.

Are there any extra benefits with a Blue Badge?

Yes! You may be eligible for:

• Road tax exemption: If you receive certain disability benefits
• Toll exemptions: Many UK bridges and tunnels offer free or discounted crossings
• London congestion charge exemption: 100% discount after registration (£10 fee)
• Disabled Persons Railcard: 1/3 off train fares for you and a companion
• Council tax reduction: Available in some local authorities
• Local bus travel discounts: Contact your local council

Can I get help with parking at airports?

Yes, many airports offer special assistance and reserved parking for Blue Badge holders. Contact the airport in advance to check arrangements and book assistance if needed.

Are there different rules in central London?

Yes, the Blue Badge scheme does not fully apply in four central London boroughs due to specific traffic management concerns:

• City of Westminster
• City of London
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• Part of the London Borough of Camden

These boroughs offer their own individual parking concessions to disabled people who live or work in their areas. However, they do provide designated bays for Blue Badge holders. Contact the relevant borough for information.