A Blue Badge is a parking permit for people with serious walking difficulty or other disabilities. You apply through your local council or GOV.UK. A condition that cannot be seen, such as dementia or severe anxiety, can qualify in some cases.
This article covers England. Rules can differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with the authorities there.
Who can get a Blue Badge?
Age UK lists these as routes where someone should qualify without further tests:
- Higher-rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- A Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim based on being unable to walk further than 50 metres.
The council may still ask for more information or carry out a further assessment.
Age UK also lists mental health that stops you making journeys because of overwhelming distress as a qualifying criterion. The council may still ask for more information in this case too.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify with a permanent and substantial walking disability. You must prove it, and a medical professional may assess you.
Anyone can apply for themselves, for someone else, or for an organisation.
Can a hidden condition qualify?
Yes, it can. People who do not qualify automatically may still get a badge for walking problems caused by hidden conditions. Age UK names dementia and mental health problems as examples.
Someone who often becomes extremely anxious or fearful of public or open spaces may also be able to get a badge. Ask your council if you are unsure.
Councils may ask for more information. This can include:
- Details of your medication.
- Details of your treatments.
- Letters from healthcare professionals.
The council may also arrange a further assessment.
How do I apply, and how long does it take?
Apply online through GOV.UK, which sends you to your local council. Some councils also accept paper forms.
Have these ready:
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence.
- A recent digital photo of your head and shoulders.
- Details of your current badge, if you are reapplying.
- Any evidence about your health that your council asks for.
You can save the online form and finish it later. This helps if you are applying for someone else.
In England the fee is up to a set amount, which can change. Fees also differ across the UK. Check the current fee before you pay. How you pay depends on your council.
A decision can take up to 3 months. It depends on the council and on whether a further assessment is needed.
What can a Blue Badge let me do, and what can’t it?
With a badge, you can usually:
- Park free at on-street meters and in Pay and Display bays.
- Park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, except where loading or unloading is banned.
Local councils can add their own restrictions. The scheme does not apply in certain London boroughs. Check the signs and your council’s rules before you park.
The badge is for the holder only. Someone can use it when collecting or dropping you off. Do not lend it for errands such as shopping.
For help with hospital trips and parking in Teesside, see our guide to wheelchair transport and Blue Badge parking in Teesside.
What if I am refused, or the badge is lost or runs out?
If you are refused, the council should explain why. You can ask them to reconsider if they missed important information. If your mobility problems become more serious, you can reapply.
Badges usually last about 3 years. Renew before yours runs out, because you cannot use an expired badge.
If a badge is lost, stolen or damaged and does not expire within 3 months, use a different service from the renewal one. Your council can tell you which to use.
If the person has dementia
- Keep the badge in a set place in the car, so it is easy to find and does not get lost.
- Keep the badge paperwork with other care papers, so it is easy to find when the badge needs renewing.
What to do next
- Check whether the person gets higher-rate DLA mobility or PIP, and what the award is based on.
- Ask your council what information it needs, such as letters from healthcare professionals.
- Gather proof of identity and a head-and-shoulders photo.
- Apply through GOV.UK or your council, and check the current fee.
- Look at other support you may be owed in our rights and benefits guide.
This is general information, not medical or legal advice. For new or worrying symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.