More than 2.8 million people in England reply on a Blue Badge to allow them to have safe, accessible parking
Brits in need of a Blue Badge must ensure they have four key items to hand prior to applying. Forgetting these essentials could mean you are unable to secure the vital parking permit.
The Blue Badge scheme assists those with significant mobility impairments, allowing them to park nearer to their destinations. Figures in 2024 show that there were 2.84 million Blue Badge holders in England.
Although Blue Badge applications are generally submitted online, there’s specific advice for individuals with mental health issues per official protocols. The guidance notes: “If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online.”
Instead, the guidance instructs: “You should phone your local council’s Blue Badge team for a paper application form.” Moreover, applicants not instantly qualified for the badge may be subject to extra assessment, potentially including a mobility test and a healthcare professional’s evaluation.
Be aware that processing times for Blue Badge applications or renewals are variable, with up to a 12-week wait. As reported by ChronicleLive, these applications are administered by local councils, which also set the fees and offer estimated processing timescales.
What will you need for your application?
When applying online via your local council, ensure you have a contemporary digital photo showing your head and shoulders, which you can snap yourself. Additionally, prepare a photo or scan of your:
- Proof of identity (like a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter (alternatively, your local council can check the Electoral Register)
- Proof of any benefits, if you receive them.
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Additionally, you should have your National Insurance number at hand, as well as the details of your current Blue Badge if you’re reapplying. You’ll automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you:
- Are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- Are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- Get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- Get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment
- Get PIP and scored 12 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’ area of your assessment
- Get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- Get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- Get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- Get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- Get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability.
If you’re not automatically eligible, you might still be able to get a Blue Badge under certain conditions, if you:
- Have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
- Have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you’re virtually unable to walk
- regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
- Are responsible for a child under 3 years old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
- Are responsible for a child under 3 years old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
- Have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys.
After applying, your local council will review your application and inform you of the outcome.
If your application is rejected
Your local council should provide reasons for not qualifying. If you believe they’ve missed important information, you can ask them to reconsider their decision. You can also reapply if your disability or health condition worsens.
A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, while it’s free in Wales. The badge typically lasts up to three years.
Remember to reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires. For more details, visit gov.uk/apply-blue-badge.