More than three million people in England hold a Blue Badge parking permit to help them get out and about
Millions of people have the disabled parking permits(Image: Getty)
Millions of people currently hold a Blue Badge across the UK helping them to park nearer to their planned destination. The parking permits are given to people with mobility problems allowing them to get out and about and not have to worry about having a long walk at the end of their trip.
They allow holders to park in disabled bays, on most double yellow lines and in specialist parking areas including some residents only parking zones depending on the local authority rules. However the badges usually are only valid for three years efore they need to be renewed and there is a strict rule that the permits must be in date or holders can be fined £1,000 if they display it after it has expired.
For those whose badges are due for renewal this year, they may be unaware of a straightforward method to guarantee a smooth changeover from the old badge to the new one, ensuring the permit remains continuously valid, reports The Daily Record. Badge holders are encouraged to renew 12 weeks ahead of the expiry date, though renewing earlier has no effect on your current Blue Badge as the start date will be the day following the existing one’s expiration.
East Riding Council advised: “You can re-apply for a 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.”
And it added a warning: “We do not remind you to re-apply for your badge and we cannot issue a temporary badge whilst your new application is being processed. All re-applications are subject to the same criteria and assessment as new applications. They are not automatically approved.”
While the Blue Badge scheme is operated by local authorities, the UK Government said recently that nine out of 10 Blue Badge applications are now being submitted via the online service. Once you have completed the renewal process online, which involves providing details of your existing Blue Badge, personal details and eligibility criteria, you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful.
If you have, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council – in Scotland this is £20. It costs up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. Once the payment has been made, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days.
The email will also include:
- Name of your local authority issuing the Badge
- Badge number
- Badge start date
- Badge expiry date
However as all applications are treated as new, even for those previously holding a Blue Badge permit, it is important to be aware that a renewal isn’t always guaranteed. East Riding Council added: “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.”
One in 20 people across England holds a Blue Badge. The latest figures showed that 3.07 million people were in possession of one of the permits as of March 31, 2025.
How to apply for a Blue Badge online
You can go online to the government website to make your application. Before you do so, it advises you need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You also need a photo or scan of your:
- 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)
You also need to know:
- your National Insurance number (if you have one)
- the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)
You can begin the application process online and save your progress if you need time to gather the necessary documents. You can conveniently come back to it at a later point and finish the procedure.
How you pay depends on your local council. They’ll usually make a decision within 12 weeks.
What if your application is refused
Your council should tell you why you’re not eligible for a Blue Badge. You can ask them to reconsider your case if you do not think all the important information you provided was taken into account. You can also reapply if your mobility problems become more serious.
If you need help
For questions about the Blue Badge scheme contact your local council.