Apply for a Blue Badge
The Blue Badge allows people with severe mobility problems caused by visible and non-visible (hidden) disabilities additional parking rights. Applying online is the quickest and easiest way.
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Do I qualify for a Blue Badge?
You can now be eligible for a Blue Badge if you have a non-visible condition that severely affects you, such as autism, dementia and mental health conditions.
There are two different types of Blue Badge applications: automatic and discretionary;
1. Automatic
Automatic applications are to be completed by people who are registered blind and/or receive a disability related benefit or payment.
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you:
- receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
- receive eight points or more under the 'Moving Around' descriptor of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or score 10 points under Activity 11, descriptor E in the 'planning and following a journey' part of the mobility component, which states 'you cannot undertake any journeys because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress'.
- are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
- receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- have been awarded a lump sum benefit at tariff 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
2. Discretionary
Discretionary applications are completed by people who are not automatically eligible. You should apply for a discretionary badge if you have long term problems with walking - including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues, or you are applying on behalf of a child in similar circumstances.
You may be eligible for a discretionary badge if you:
- have an enduring and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking, which may include very considerable psychological distress
- drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and have considerable difficulty in operating all, or some types of parking meter
- are aged under three years and have to be accompanied everywhere by bulky medical equipment
- are at risk of serious harm, or pose a risk of serious harm to any other person, when walking
- are an organisation caring for disabled people meeting the eligibility criteria.
Further information can be found on the Citizens Advice website and also at GOV.UK - Blue Badge scheme.
How do I apply or renew?
If you are unable to apply for a Blue Badge online, we are offering telephone applications during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please call us on 0116 454 5600.
Having trouble getting online?
If you don't have access to a computer, go to one of our self-service centres.
If you can’t apply online you can download and complete a printable form. When applying, please make sure that you complete the application correctly and include the documents that you are asked for.
Warning
A number of third party websites charge up to £50 to process Blue Badge applications. Please avoid these websites and only use the official GOV.UK - apply for a Blue Badge website.
Frequently asked questions
Please note: Due to system changes there will be a delay in sending out Blue Badge reminder letters. We apologise for any inconvenience.
If you already have a Blue Badge that needs renewing, a new application will need to be completed.
You’ll need to renew your badge after three years, or when you stop receiving the benefit your badge is linked to - for example DLA or PIP. You will be reminded to do this before the badge expires.
We will write to you when you need to renew your badge. The reminder letter will include:
- When your badge expires
- Instructions for how to return your expired badge
- A unique code to speedup renewing your badge using the online application.
You must return your Blue Badge back to us once it expires or if you no longer need it, for example if your condition improves.
Misuse of a Blue Badge can lead to £1000 fine.
With a Blue Badge, you can:
- Use the badge in any vehicle you travel in.
- Park for up to three hours on a single or double yellow line as long as there are no loading restrictions. The clock on the badge must be set to show your time of arrival.
- Park without a time limit at a pay and display parking bay (free of charge).
- Park on resident parking permit bays without a time limit.
The badge can only be used where the holder is a passenger to or from the parking location. You can also use your Blue Badge throughout the European Union, although the terms may vary between countries. Check EU Blue Badge rules before you go.
You should not hold more than one blue badge at any given time or share your blue badge.
More information on how and where to use your badge can be found on the Citizens Advice website and also at GOV.UK - blue badge scheme.
Misuse of Blue Badges
Misusing your Blue Badge is a criminal offence. You can report the misuse of a Blue Badge online using this form.
Lost, stolen or damaged Blue Badges
You can request it for yourself or someone else for a fee of £10.
Contact us
Ring us on: 0116 454 1000
[email protected]
If you have problems with this page or your application, please send us an email using the link above.