How to apply for a Blue Badge:
Do you qualify?
You may qualify as an "Automatic" Blue Badge Holder if you:
If you do not meet the above criteria you may qualify as a "Mobility Assessed" Blue Badge Holder if you meet one of the following criteria:
- The applicant is over the age of three and has a permanent and substantial disability which means that he/she is unable to walk or has very considerable difficulty in walking.
- The applicant is under the age of three and has a medical condition that means that he/she has to always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment.
- The applicant is under the age of three and has a medical condition which means that he/she must always be kept near a vehicle in case he/she needs emergency medical treatment.
- The applicant drives a vehicle regularly and has a permanent disability in both arms which means that he/she is unable or has considerable difficulty operating all or some types of parking meter.
Once you have completed and submitted the form with any supporting documents you may be required to attend a mobility assessment which will be carried out by an occupational therapist.
Please note that GPs are no longer involved in the Blue Badge process.
Organisational Badge
If you would like to apply for a Blue Badge for your organisation complete the appropriate application form. Please see the guidance notes with the form regarding the criteria. A form can be downloaded from the link at the top right of this page.
How to apply for a Blue Badge or renew an existing Blue Badge
If you are currently a Blue Badge holder your existing badge will be valid until its renewal date. At this time you will be required to submit a new application to receive the new style badge.
Please note that all customers who currently hold a badge may not be awarded a badge under the new process.
You will need to complete a Blue Badge application form and take it to the Public Advice and Service Centre (PASC) within The Liberty Centre, Romford. A link to the PASCs web page can be found at the top right of this page.
To get an application form you can:
- Download the application form and guidance notes at the top right of this page.
- Call us on 01708 432787 and we will send one out to you.
- Pick one up from the PASC.
Once you have completed the form please bring in in to the PASC together with:
- Proof of address and proof of identification.
- Original and up to date evidence of your qualifying documents (see guidance notes on the appropriate application form).
- One passport quality/sized photograph (35mm wide by 45mm high).
- £10 will be charged for the issue of the Blue Badge (which will be sent to you direct from the manufacturer). You will only pay if your application is successful.
When you receive your Blue Badge you will also receive an information booklet ('Blue Badge: rights and resposibilities') explaining how the scheme works and how to use the badge.
Where the scheme applies
The badges - sometimes known as disabled parking permits - can be used throughout the UK and while travelling abroad within the European Union (EU) and in some other European countries.
The Blue Badge Scheme varies from area to area and you will need to check local signage and information whenever you use the badge.
Misuse of a Blue Badge
The misuse of a Blue Badge is a serious offence. Your Blue Badge can be withdrawn if you misuse it or allow others to misuse it.
It is a criminal offence for non-disabled people to use a badge. If they do so they are liable to a fine of up to £1,000.
It is a criminal offence to drive/park a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge unless the badge holder is the driver or passenger on that particular trip or the vehicle is being driven by someone other than the badge holder for the purpose of entering or leaving an area (which is accessible only to vehicles displaying a Blue Badge) in order to pick up or drop off the holder.
Replacing or renewing a Blue Badge
If your Blue Badge is lost or stolen you will need to report it to the police and the will give you a 'lost property number' or 'crime reference number'.
You then need to complete the application form (please see downloads at the top right of this page) quoting this number and enclosing one passport sized photograph of yourself and a payment of £10. We will then be able to send you a replacement badge.
Replacing a damaged Blue Badge
If your Blue Badge becomes damaged you will need to have it replaced.
You will need to send us a photograph of yourself (or your logo if you are an organisation) and also your damaged Blue Badge.
Appealing or making a complaint about a Blue Badge decision
If you would like to appeal or make a complaint about a decision on whether you can receive a Blue Badge please contact the Blue Badge department for further information.
Alternative languages and formats available
If English is not your first language and you would like an application form in an alternative language or in large print or Braille please contact us.
Contact us
If you have any queries you can contact us by:
Telephoning us on 01708 432787 or
Enquiring in person at the Public Advice and Service Centre (PASC) Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford. RM1 3RL.
For our deaf and hard of hearing customers please call us on our Textphone 01708 433175.