Blue Badge applications, made simple
When we’re caring for someone with a disability or health condition, even everyday errands can become a juggling act, especially when parking is difficult. The Blue Badge scheme is here to make things a little easier.
Our Blue Badge checker allows us to check our eligibility in just a few minutes.
What is a Blue Badge?
It may feel like we have to jump through hoops and face multiple obstacles just to get a Blue Badge. But if we've been lucky enough to have a smooth process, it can help us in a number of ways, especially if we're caring for someone with a disability or health condition.
Such as parking closer to their destination or accessing larger parking bays (making wheelchair access easier). In some situations, we can use it to request for a disabled parking bay outside our home. There are also exemptions from some tolls and parking fees - but always check!
It can help the person we care for (and us!) to get out more. As the Blue Badge is tied to the person rather than vehicle, we can use the Blue Badge with any car.
Am I eligible for a Blue Badge?
As well as physical disabilities, Blue Badge holders also include those with hidden disabilities.
Hidden disabilities (or non-visible disabilities) are disabilities that are not explicitly obvious to others, such as dementia, autism or chronic illnesses that might impede our ability (and those around us) to travel safely. A letter from our GP or healthcare professional might also help evidence our needs related to non-visible disabilities when applying.
While many people with hidden disabilities may be considered for a Blue Badge, eligibility isn’t guaranteed. The final decision rests with our local council, who will look at each application carefully to see if the criteria are met.
Outside of having a physical or hidden disability, we may also be eligible if we have one of the following:
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The enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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The higher mobility rate component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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Registered blind (severely sight impaired)
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War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, or
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
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In Scotland, the higher mobility rate component of the Child Disability Payment
What can I use as proof of address for a Blue Badge?
The specific proof of address required for us to get a Blue Badge may vary depending on our local council so it's best to check with them first. The proof of address will need to be dated within 12 months, with at least three months remaining on the award.
Some of the general proofs of address include:
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A valid driver's license
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Utilities or bills i.e. Council Tax Bill
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A medical summary from the doctor or specialist that shows the name and address, and confirms the medical conditions
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A repeat prescription that shows the name and address, and confirms the medication being taken
Use our simple checker tool to quickly find out whether we or the person we care for may be eligible for a Blue Badge. Ultimately, our local authority will be the ones to grants us a Blue Badge
We do not share your data with third parties without your consent.
View our data privacy notice here.
Are Blue Badge holders exempt from road tax?
If the person we care for has a blue badge, they may be exempt from paying road tax. They must be receiving a qualifying benefit.
It’s important to know that the car must be registered in the disabled drivers name (or their nominated driver). Plus the car must be used only for the disabled person’s own personal needs.
We can find out more about how to apply for the road tax exemption here.
If we are caring for someone in Scotland, the same will also apply for them in Scotland.
Are Blue Badge holders exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)?
Whilst Blue Badge holders are not automatically exempt from paying the £12.50 daily charge for driving through an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) with a non-ULEZ compliant vehicle, we may be eligible for a temporary exemption or discount if any of the following apply:
If the person we care for has a vehicle registered with the DVLA under the 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class, then we would currently be covered by a grace period that exempts us from paying the ULEZ charge up until October 24th 2027.
We do not need to register for this exemption unless our vehicle is registered outside of the UK. If it is registered within the UK, it will be applied automatically.
If our vehicle is not included in the ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax class but we are over state pension age and receive Attendance Allowance, then we are also eligible to apply for this exemption.
2. We use a wheel chair accessible vehicle (WAV)
If our vehicle is not ULEZ compliant but has been converted or adapted to have either a ramp, hoist, a swivel seat or accelerator ring to allow a disabled person to access the vehicle as a driver or passenger, then we may be eligible for a WAV grace period until October 25th 2027. We will need to apply for this exemption and provide photos of any adaptations that have been made to our vehicle.
3. We regularly receive certain disability benefits
There is also an exemption if we receive one of the following benefits:
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The higher mobility rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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The higher mobility rate of Child Disability Payment (CDP)
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The standard or enhanced mobility rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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The standard or enhanced rate of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
We might also be eligible if we’re a parent or guardian for a child under the age of three who has a medical condition that requires them to have bulky medical equipment nearby, have a terminal illness that means we cannot walk or have severely impaired sight or meet any of the additional criteria listed by TFL. This exemption is only valid until the 25th of October 2027.
To make an inquiry, check how to apply for any of these exemptions or to check eligibility, we can find the latest details on the TfL website.
Being permanently exempt from ULEZ charges requires our vehicle to be ULEZ-compliant, which we can check using this nifty tool.
If the person we care for doesn't have a ULEZ compliant vehicle or is eligible for any of the exemptions, they will have to pay the daily charge for driving through a ULEZ zone (apart from on Christmas Day).
With more people considering electric vehicles (EV) in today's climate, AutoTrader also has a helpful guide to electric vehicles for those with accessibility requirements.
Blue Badge and Congestion Zone
If we or the person we care for has a Blue Badge, then we don't have to pay for the Congestion Charge but we need to apply and renew this each year through Transport for London for a 100% discount off Congestion charge.
Is Blue Badge parking free?
Blue Badge parking is often free, but some car parks do charge, so we should always check once we arrive. On-street Blue Badge parking is typically free, unless there is a metre. Again, please do check local signs.
In parking bays where there is a parking fee, Blue Badge holders will also be expected to pay. But in the City of London, we are able to park for up to an extra hour for free after the expiry time.
If we would like to know what the specific Blue Badge requirements are in a particular area, simply pop the postcode in here and we’ll receive more parking information from that local authority.
Where can Blue Badge holders park?
Knowing where we can park with a Blue Badge before our journey can give us great peace of mind. Here, we break down where Blue Badge holders should avoid parking:
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in a bus lane (including outside operating hours
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parking bays reserved for specific users (i.e. doctors bay)
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areas of loading restrictions (marked by yellow chevrons)
But, we can park on a single or double yellow line for three hours, exceptions are:
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a dropped curb
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loading bays
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blocking a junction
Some parts of London such as Camden accept something known as a ‘Green Badge’ as opposed to a Blue Badge. This allows us to park in busy areas of London (in this case, Camden) at a discounted rate, or in some cases for free.
Always be sure to double check our destination, and see if they provide or accept Green Badges.
Will my Blue Badge be automatically renewed?
Unfortunately, Blue Badges are not automatically renewed.
The person we care for will have to renew their badge (or the parent/guardian if for a child) around 12 weeks (depending on our local council) before the current Blue Badge expires. Setting a calendar reminder can help, especially as it can take up to 3 months for a new badge to arrive.
They will have to start a new application every three years - unless the badge has been lost or stolen.
"Had a blue badge for the last 7 years - the hardest part was they don't send you reminders and if you forget to reapply, it can take up to 12 weeks to get a new one which can be a right pain!"
How long does it take to get a Blue Badge?
It can take up to three months to process and approve an application, particularly if our local authority requests a further assessment. It’s helpful to know this, so we can allow plenty of time to apply for a renewal.
What to do if we disagree with an unsuccessful claim
If we disagree with the council's decision about our Blue Badge, we've got options. Let's start by asking for a review, especially if we can't walk more than 80 meters or struggle with parking meters.
We'll need to respond to their decision letter, explaining why we think they're wrong and providing any extra details or evidence we might have missed the first time. It's worth including things like doctor's letters or proof of address if that's an issue. If we've had our badge taken away for misuse, we can still explain if there were special circumstances.
If we're still not happy after the review, we can make a complaint to the council. And if that doesn't work out, we can always contact the Local Government Ombudsman as a last resort. Remember, it's okay to ask for help with this process if we need it.
Blue Badge Facts
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We can apply for a Blue Badge on behalf of someone else
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Over 2 million people are automatically entitled to a Blue Badge
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Only our Local Council or Gov.uk can provide a Blue Badge
Blue Badge eligibility Checker
In under five minutes, this checker will take us through a few questions that will help us know if we will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge.
Once we’ve used the checker, we’ll get a better idea of whether we’re likely to qualify. If it looks like we might be eligible, we can then apply through the GOV.UK Blue Badge application page.
We do not share personal data with third parties without consent.
View our data privacy notice here.
Checklist of documents needed for a Blue Badge application
If we decide to apply for a Blue Badge, here is a checklist of the documents we need to apply:
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A digital photo showing our head and shoulders
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Proof of address
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Proof of identity
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Proof of benefits if we receive any
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Our national insurance number
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The details of our current Blue Badge (if we’re re-applying)
Using public transport with a Blue Badge
Even if we don’t drive, sometimes being a Blue Badge holder can offer us additional benefits when using public transport depending on where we live. Whilst the badge itself doesn’t grant us public transport perks, it can help us when applying for different public transport concessions.
For instance, In Scotland, Blue Badge holders may qualify for the National Entitlement Card, which grants us free bus travel nationwide. Similarly, our Blue Badge can help provide proof if we’re applying for travel concessions like a Disabled Persons Railcard, which could save us up to a third on standard rail fares.
Hi, I'm Suzanne, Co-founder and Head of support here at Mobilise
Imagine the difference that a Blue Badge could make to our lives - making trips out easier and quicker, finding a parking space that is near the shops, medical centre or pharmacy.
As a carer for my husband with Parkinson's getting a Blue Badge has meant we can do more as a family, have fun and access the services we need.
Not everyone that uses a Blue Badge is a wheelchair user. Recent changes mean that more hidden disabilities are also recognised when applying.
If there is something stopping us from getting a Blue Badge (pride, complicated forms, lack of time) hopefully, this guide will help.
About Mobilise
We believe that we should all have clarity and access to the help we need when caring - all the time. That’s why Mobilise offers free and accessible support to every carer. By working closely with local authorities and other carers, we can ensure that we always have access to the help we need.
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