How do I apply for a Blue Badge and how much does it cost?

What a Blue Badge is

A Blue Badge lets a disabled person park closer to where they need to go. It belongs to the disabled person, not the car. You can use it in any car you travel in, as the driver or a passenger.

In England, a badge holder can usually:

• park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, using the parking clock
• park free, for as long as needed, at parking meters

Four central London areas (Westminster, City of London, Kensington and Chelsea, and part of Camden) run their own parking schemes instead.

Who gets a Blue Badge automatically

In England you qualify without a further assessment if you are 3 or over and any of these apply:

• you get the higher rate of the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• you get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the "moving around" activity
• you get PIP and scored 10 points for descriptor E in "planning and following journeys" (a journey would cause you overwhelming psychological distress)
• you are registered blind
• you get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• you got a lump sum from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (tariffs 1 to 8) and have a permanent disability that means you cannot walk or find walking very hard

Who may get one after an assessment

Your council looks at your case if, for example, you:

• cannot walk at all, or need help or a walking aid
• find walking very hard because of pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
• have a life-limiting illness that makes walking very hard (you will need an SR1 form)
• have a severe disability in both arms, drive regularly and cannot use parking machines
• struggle badly to plan or follow a journey, or become very anxious or fearful in public places
• care for a child under 3 who needs bulky medical equipment, or must stay near a vehicle for emergency treatment

Cost and how long it lasts

A badge usually lasts up to 3 years. It does not renew itself, so reapply before it runs out. Councils usually decide within 12 weeks.

Using it properly

Only display the badge when the holder is in the car, or is being dropped off or picked up. Do not lend it to family or friends. In England, misuse is a criminal offence and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and the badge being taken away.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Scotland: most councils charge £20. Scottish guidance says to reapply at least 12 weeks before your badge expires.
• Wales: badges are free. Wales also offers temporary 12-month badges for people recovering from serious injury or surgery, such as a complex leg fracture.
• Northern Ireland: the Blue Badge Unit (Department for Infrastructure) runs the scheme. You apply online or by post through nidirect, and should usually hear within 6 to 8 weeks.

Related guides

• What is the Disabled Persons Railcard?
• Can I get free car tax if I'm disabled?
• Who can use the Motability Scheme?
• Who can get PIP?
• How long do I have to pay a parking fine?
• Do I need a fishing licence?

Where this comes from

• Apply for or renew a Blue Badge (GOV.UK)
• Can I get a Blue Badge? (Department for Transport)
• The Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England
• Blue Badge (mygov.scot)
• Blue Badges: eligibility (Welsh Government)
• Apply for or renew a Blue Badge (nidirect)