Last Updated: May 1, 2026

What is a Blue Badge?

The Blue Badge scheme is a type of benefits scheme which allows people with disabilities or health conditions to park closer to their destination, like a type of parking permit. Badge holders can use more accessible parking options – such as disabled parking spaces. Blue badges can be for either the driver or a passenger.

Who can get a Blue Badge?

You are automatically eligible if you:

  • are registered as blind
  • care for a child who is blind and aged over 2
  • get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
  • received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8), and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability.

If you get Personal Independence Payments (PIP) you’re automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you either:

  • scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your PIP assessment
  • scored 10 points in the ‘planning and following journeys’ area of your PIP assessment and were put in category ‘E’ – this means your stress, anxiety or other mental health issue stops you leaving the house

You can still apply for a blue badge if you are not automatically eligible if:

  • you have long-term problems walking or going to places – including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues
  • you have severe problems using both your arms

In these cases, the application is more complicated. If you are having difficulty with your application, your local Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.

What medical conditions qualify for Blue Badge UK?

Blindness

How easy is it to get a Blue Badge?

It is relatively easy to get one if you are eligible however, if you do not automatically qualify, you will likely have to provide documents to prove you need one, and potentially undergo an assessment.

Blue Badge eligibility checker

You can check your eligibility prior to making an application on the .gov.uk website. You can also find out more about how the scheme works where you live

Badge Application

You can apply online here. As part of the Blue Badge application, you will be asked to provide some supporting documents.

You will need:

  • a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
  • proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
  • proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
  • proof of benefits (if you get any)
  • your National Insurance number (if you have one)

If you are not online, some councils will let you make a paper application. Use this tool to find and contact your local council to check and get an application form.

You can only get a Blue Badge from your local council or at GOV.UK

Tracking your application

It can take a while for your application to be processed. If you do not hear back in 12 weeks, it is worth contacting your council for an update.

If you applied online, you can track your application online using a reference number which you will get via email

How much does it cost?

A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales and they usually last up to 3 years.

Other useful information

There is no single blue badge contact number as applications are dealt with via your local council. You will need to contact your local council for assistance.