Blue Badge update for first-time applications or renewal of parking permit

If you have a physical disability or health condition, you may eligible for a Blue Badge. Here is what you need to know if you live in the UK and are looking to apply.

• 10:59, 18 SEP 2023

Having a Blue Badge can be extremely helpful for people with physical or hidden disabilities.

Holders travelling as a driver or passengers are entitled to free parking in disabled bays, and in some cases may be exempt from other parking restrictions. New applications for are administered by local authorities across Great Britain, but are governed by the Department for Transport.

New applications and renewals can take up to 12 weeks to be processed, but people could receive them much faster once their application has been approved by their local council. Minister of State for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden MP, explained that Blue Badges are now electronically printed by a single manufacturer, reports the Daily Record and as soon as a local authority requests a badge through the system, it is dispatched within five working days.

Mr Holden added that “80 per cent of citizens apply for a badge using the digital service operated by the Department for Transport”.

He added: “The Department works closely with the supplier of the service to identify ways to improve the application and re-application process for all users as part of its National Disability Strategy commitments. This includes acting on feedback from local authority administrators and citizen users of the scheme.”

A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland and is valid for three years - apply online here. Below is everything you need to know about the Blue Badge application process.

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Who can get a Blue Badge?

In some cases, you may automatically qualify for a Blue Badge and in others, your local council will assess your eligibility. This may include going to a mobility assessment and meeting a healthcare professional.

You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland 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 Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• get Personal Independence Payment (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 Adult Disability Payment (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

Who else could qualify for a Blue Badge?

If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances.

For example, 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

Where can I park with my Blue Badge?

You can use your Blue Badge to park in certain restricted areas for free, including:

• at on-street parking meters
• in pay and display bays
• in disabled parking spaces
• on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions

Using your badge in other parts of the UK

You can use your Blue Badge in most other countries. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge.

The Timer Clock is a plastic dial with hands that can be adjusted to show the time of parking arrival.

What do I need to apply?

Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.

You will also need a photo or scan of your:

• proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
• proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead
• proof of benefits - if you get any

You will also need to know:

• your National Insurance number
• the details of your current Blue Badge - if you’re reapplying

Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.

If you are turned down

Your local council should tell you why you’re not eligible. You can ask them to reconsider their decision if you think they haven’t taken into account some important information.

You can also reapply if your disability or health condition becomes more serious. Apply for a Blue Badge on the mygov.scot website here.

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