Apply for a Blue Badge

Will I need to provide photographs or documents in my application?

When you apply for or renew a Blue Badge online you will need to provide:

• a passport-style colour digital photo (read more about the requirements)
• proof of identification (read more about the types we accept)
• proof of address (read more about the types we accept)
• proof of entitlement, such as a benefit award letter (and most recent yearly update letter, if relevant), diagnosis letter, appointment letters, prescriptions or a care plan, if relevant
• proof of specially adapted vehicle, if relevant when applying under the ‘severe disability in both arms’ category. 

Please note: the fastest way to get your photo and proofs to us is to upload them to the application form. Read more about how to prepare and upload your documents. If you are unable to upload your documents, your application may be placed on hold and processed when you are able to provide your proofs and photo.

Acceptable proof of identification

• Valid passport 
• Birth or adoption certificate 
• Marriage or divorce certificate 
• Certificate of British nationality 
• Civil partnership or dissolution certificate 
• Valid driving licence 
• HM Forces ID card. 

Acceptable proof of address

• Council tax bill (dated within the last 12 months) 
• Bank statement (dated within the last 3 months) 
• Utility bill (dated within last 3 months) 
• Award letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (dated within the last 12 months) 
• Benefit award letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (dated within the last 12 months) 
• Confirmation letter from Social Services or another local authority that confirms that you are resident 
• Local Housing Allowance or other benefit award letter (dated within the last 12 months) 
• Pensions letter from the Pension Services (dated within the last 12 months). 

Please note: if you are applying on behalf of a child aged 17 or under we will accept proof of address in the name of the parent or guardian.

How do I apply for, renew or replace a Blue Badge?

Having a certain condition or disability does not mean you are automatically entitled to a Blue Badge.

You are strongly advised to check the full eligibility criteria before you apply.

Find out about Blue Badges for organisations.

How do I prepare and upload my photo and documents?

Preparing your photo and documents

You will be asked to upload your photo and proofs of eligibility when completing the online application. This is the quickest way to get your application processed. 

Proofs of eligibility must be in GIF, JPG, JPEG, PDF or PNG format and be a maximum of 20mb in size. 

You could:

• scan them using your home printer if it has scanning capabilities
  
• scan them at your local library, or
  
• take a steady, clear photograph of them with your smartphone or tablet

Photos must be in GIF, JPG, JPEG or PNG format and be a maximum of 20mb in size. 

You could:

• ask a friend or family member to take a photo of you on your smartphone or tablet, making sure you follow the photo guidance, or
  
• visit a high street photo printing shop. Some can take your passport photo and email it to you, which will allow you to upload it to the online application form.

Please note: if you’re unable to upload your photo and documents for any reason, please complete and submit the online application without uploading any files and we will email you to tell you how to provide them.

Taking the right photo

The photo must be:

• in colour
  
• clear and in focus
  
• a head shot of just you - no group photos
  
• taken in the last six months.

You need to:

• use a plain background and face forward
  
• make sure your full face is visible, remove anything that might obscure your face
  
• remove sunglasses unless you need to wear them for medical reasons.

You can:

• wear your prescription glasses as long as your face is visible
  
• smile if you'd like to.

Uploading files

Save your photo and/or proofs of eligibility on your device, such as your computer, smartphone or tablet, then when you reach the upload section in the form: 

1. Select ‘Click here to attach a file’ 
   
2. Select ‘Choose File’ or 'Browse'
   
3. Browse your device to locate and select the file you wish to use
   
4. Select ‘Attach’

What happens after I apply and how long does the process take? 

Unless you are eligible without further assessment, we will review your application to determine whether you need to provide further proof of your condition or have an independent mobility assessment (IMA). We will send you an email.

Coronavirus update – IMA appointments

You will not need to attend your IMA appointment in person. We will contact you by telephone to conduct our assessment.

Important: how to arrange for us to call you for an IMA assessment

1. You must book an appointment slot at one of our centres following the instructions in the email – remember, you will not need to attend in person
2. Your booking will alert our staff that you need an assessment
3. We will contact you by phone as soon as possible to conduct the assessment over the phone. (It may not be at the time and date of the appointment slot you booked)
4. We will then cancel the appointment
5. If we are unable to make a decision without a face-to-face assessment your application will be placed on hold and processed when an appropriate level of assessment can be undertaken.
   

How long does it take to get a Blue Badge? 

The fastest way to contact us about this is to complete our online form. 

If you qualify without further assessment and you provide your photo and all required supporting documents at the time of applying, you should receive your badge within 10 working days. 

If your application needs further assessment, such as an IMA, it may take a little longer. 

You can log in to your account and select ‘My history’ to check the progress of your application.

Can I appeal or re-apply if my application is refused?

If we refuse your application we will email you to tell you the reason you are not eligible. If you have paid the £10 administration fee we will refund it.

If you don’t agree with the decision and do not think we took all the information you provided into account, follow the instructions in the email we sent you to ask us to reconsider your application. 

You can re-apply after three months or if your condition gets worse.

Please note: the final decision to issue a badge rests with us as the local authority.

When can I renew my Blue Badge?

You can renew your Blue Badge up to 12 weeks before its expiry date. If the badge has already expired, complete the form as you would if you were applying for the first time. 

We do not remind you to renew your badge and we cannot issue a temporary badge whilst your new application is being processed.

All applications to renew an expired badge are subject to the same criteria and assessment as new applications. Renewals are not automatically approved.