Blue badge
What is a Blue Badge?
The Blue Badge Scheme helps people who have disabilities or long-term health conditions park closer to their destination.
Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?
The national guidance for the scheme sets out who is eligible to receive a badge.
You may be eligible if you have a physical disability, non-visible disability or long-term health condition that means you have severe or considerable difficulty walking or where undertaking a journey could cause you or the people around you to be at risk of harm.
In some cases, the benefits you receive will mean that you are eligible for a badge. You can also find out if you are eligible to receive a badge by having an assessment.
You can check eligibility for a Blue Badge by reviewing the Blue Badge scheme local authority guidance (England) - GOV.UK
As of 30 August 2019 the eligibility criteria for the award of a Blue Badge has changed it now allows people with a hidden/unseen disability to be assessed and include those people who:
- cannot undertake a journey without there being a risk of serious harm to their health or safety or that of any other person (such as young children with autism
- cannot undertake a journey without it causing them very considerable psychological distress
- have very considerable difficulty when walking (both the physical act and experience of walking)
Before you start your Blue Badge application or renewal
Please ensure all information provided is accurate. Only your first application will be considered, any duplicate submissions will be closed immediately.
If your application is successful, you will be notified during the process, along with instructions on the next steps.
Once we have received your photograph, payment and proof of your qualifying benefit (if required), we will aim to process your application and get your Blue Badge posted to you within 15 working days.
If your application is declined, you may reapply after six months, provided your circumstances have changed.
The application will consider whether you are eligible for a badge as a result of the benefits you receive.
Before you start your application, please have proof of any benefits you receive dated within the last 12 months available.
If you are eligible to receive a badge, you will also need:
- Details of your current Blue Badge (if you have one)
- A recent digital photo (head and shoulders only with a plain background)
- Your National Insurance number (if you have one, if not you will need proof of address, such as a copy of birth certificate, or an eVisa
- NHS number if known
- A debit or credit card to make the payment if your eligibility is confirmed
If the benefits you receive do not demonstrate your eligibility, the application will ask you questions about your health conditions or disability. Please have any medical evidence to support your application available. This might include:
- A letter of diagnosis
- Confirmation of ongoing treatment, clinic appointments, or referrals
- Evidence of prescribed medication related to your condition
- Reports from specialist consultations or referrals
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision letters
- Social housing letters or assessment reports from your local authority
- Care plans from social care teams
- Your Patient Summary or Summary Care Records
- Evidence showing the progression of your condition over time
- Documentation of other benefits received
- Letters from healthcare or care professionals involved in your support
If you are applying for a child under 3 years old
A Blue Badge can only be issued until your child's third birthday. The Department for Transport's system does not allow badges for children under 3 years old to be issued beyond this date.
When the badge expires, you can apply again if your child still meets the eligibility criteria.
If you are applying on behalf of an organisation you will need:
- A copy of the V5C logbook that shows the taxation class of the vehicle
- An official letter that shows the name, address and logo of your organisation
Apply for a Blue Badge
We encourage residents to use the online Blue Badge application service. Applying online helps us process your information more efficiently, which may lead to a quicker decision and faster issue of your badge if you are eligible. If you would prefer to apply by telephone, please call 0191 520 5552.
During your application
You will be asked a set of questions that will work out whether you are eligible to be awarded a Blue Badge because of the benefits you receive or whether you meet the any of the other criteria set out in our Blue Badge Policy..
Sometimes the information you provide is insufficient to show clearly whether you meet this criteria. If this is the case, you will be offered an appointment with an Occupational Therapist who will speak to you by telephone to discuss your application. In some situations, you may also be offered an appointment to see an Occupational Therapist in person.
After you apply
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be informed at the end of your assessment.
If your application is successful and we have received your photograph, payment and proof of your qualifying benefit (if required), we will aim to process your application and get your Blue Badge posted to you within 15 working days.
You will receive an e mail that contains a link that you must use to make your £10 payment.
With your Blue Badge you will receive a:
- Blue Badge clock
- Blue Badge booklet, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a Blue Badge holder.
How long can I use my Blue Badge
A Blue Badge is valid for three years, however in line with Department for Transport (DfT) guidance, if you qualify because you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Blue Badge can only be issued up to the end date of your current award as confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at the time of your application.
This period may be less than the standard three years.
A £10 fee will apply for each badge issued, regardless of the duration of the badge or any subsequent changes to your award end date made by the DWP after the badge has been issued.
Reapplying for a Blue Badge
In most cases your Blue Badge is only valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
It is your responsibility to get in touch to reapply for your badge. You will be required to complete a new application.
We do not send renewal reminders and recommend that you contact us six weeks before your current badge expires.
We will not be held liable for any charges incurred relating to an expired or misused badge.
Any person using the Blue Badge after the expiry date will be committing an offence under section 94 Traffic Management Act 2004 and may be liable to prosecution, a fine and withdrawal of the Blue Badge.
If you do not renew your Blue Badge one month after it has expired, it will be de-registered from the scheme. If you still need a Blue Badge, you will need to apply for a new one.
Replacement Blue Badge
If your Blue Badge is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement.
However, if your badge is due to expire within the next three months, you may prefer to complete the renewal process instead.
Apply for a Blue Badge replacement
Appeals and complaints
All decisions are reached following strict guidelines in relation to the provision of the Blue Badge scheme set by the Department for Transport.
You are entitled to request a review of your application outcome up to 28 days after the event.
If you wish to appeal against the outcome of your assessment, you may do so by clearly stating the reasons why you feel your application should be reconsidered, including any relevant additional information or supporting evidence that would demonstrate you have a permanent and substantial disability which severely impacts upon your ability to mobilise over short distances.
Please also include:
- Your reference number
- Full nameAddress
- Date of Birth
- National Insurance Number
Complete a Blue Badge appeal form
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will not be eligible to reapply for a Blue Badge for a period of six months, unless there has been a change in your health or mobility.
If you would like to share feedback or raise concerns about the service you have received, you may contact our Complaints and Feedback Team, who will be happy to assist you.
Blue Badge misuse
If you believe someone is misusing their Blue Badge, you can report it. Please provide as much detailed information as possible to support your report.
