Eight key things people with a Blue Badge need to know before making a renewal

Nearly three million people across Great Britain have a Blue Badge, but this could rise significantly as the number of people claiming disability benefits is now at an all-time high. There are currently over 3.6 million people in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and 314,495 on Adult Disability Payment (ADP).

Most users will be aware their Blue Badge has an expiry date of up to three years from the point of issue, however, many may not be aware that renewal is not automatic and an application should be made at least 12 weeks before it expires to ensure the new permit arrives before the current one is no longer valid. Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired - even if a renewal application is being processed by their local council.

Permit holders may also not realise their eligibility will be checked every time they reapply, or that renewal claims take longer to process.

READ MORE: Full list of 11 groups of people who automatically qualify for a Blue Badge

READ MORE: People with a Blue Badge cannot park in these 11 places at any time of day or night

Eight things Blue Badge holders should know before they renew

  • Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically - you need to reapply for it every 3 years

  • You should apply for your renewal 12 weeks before the expiry date

  • Your local council processes Blue Badge applications and decides if you can get one

  • You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders

  • Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply - this is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge

  • Local councils expect to take longer to reissue Blue Badges

  • Renewals can be made online, but some councils offer a paper application

  • Some councils can help you with your application

The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include people with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy. The permit enables people to park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger.

Full details about renewing your Blue Badge in Scotland can be found on mygov.scot here.

How to renew a Blue Badge online

A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the GOV.UK site here.

You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.

You will 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 will also need to know:

  • your National Insurance number (if you have one)

  • the details of your current Blue Badge

You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process.

Change of details

You should contact your local council if there's a change to your:

  • name

  • address

  • council area

  • contact details

Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge

  • You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don’t you are committing a crime

  • You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger

  • No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them

  • If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space

  • You must not let other people use your badge

  • You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down

  • You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out

  • If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one

  • Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council

  • Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there