Blue Badge - disabled parking permits
The Blue Badge scheme lets people with certain disabilities or terminal illnesses park closer to amenities. The badge holder can be either a driver or a passenger.
A Blue Badge costs £10 and lasts up to 3 years depending on your entitlement.
Who can get a Blue Badge?
You can automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you receive one of the following:
- Higher Rate of the Moving Around component of Disability Living Allowance
- 8 or more points in the “moving around” part of a mobility assessment for Personal Independence Payment
- 10 points (Descriptor E– You cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress) in the “planning and following journeys” part of a mobility assessment for Personal Independence Payment
- Are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
- War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- A lump sum benefit at tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and certified as having an enduring and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
If you do not meet either of the above criteria, you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge.
To get a Blue Badge, you must prove:
- you are unable to walk, or
- you have considerable difficulty whilst walking, which may include considerable psychological distress, or
- you are at risk of serious harm when walking, or pose, when walking, a risk of serious harm to other people.
Although you are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you scored 10 points for ‘Planning and following a journey’ in a PIP mobility assessment, other conditions, including hidden disabilities, can be assessed.
You must have evidence of the challenges you face when completing a journey. This can include:
- diagnosis letters
- care plans
- patient summaries
- education health and care (EHC) plans
- disability benefits
- written confirmation from a specialist about the difficulties you face completing a journey.
A GP’s letter cannot be used as your only piece of evidence.
How do I get a Blue Badge?
You can apply online for a Blue Badge. You will need:
- a passport-style photo of yourself.
You’ll also need a photo or scan of:
- proof of identity (such as your driving licence)
- proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill)
- proof of benefits (if you get any).
What if my Blue Badge is lost or stolen?
You need to complete a replacement Blue Badge application form. Your replacement will be issued with the same expiry date as your lost or stolen Blue Badge and will cost £10.
What if I don’t need the Blue Badge anymore?
Please send your Blue Badge back to us if you don’t need it anymore.