Apply for a Blue Badge
The Blue Badge scheme provides additional parking rights for people with severe mobility problems caused by visible and non-visible disabilities.
The Blue Badge permit helps them to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination.
The scheme is open to eligible people whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger.
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Who can get a Blue Badge
You can apply for a badge for yourself, for someone else or for your organisation.
For yourself
Find out if you are eligible on the GOV.UK page.
For organisations
An organisation may be eligible for a badge or multiple badges if they care for, assist and transport people who need a Blue Badge.
Eligible organisations include residential care homes, hospices or local council social services departments.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge
You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
If you do not have a photograph you can ask staff at a One Stop Shop to take a photo of you to send to us.
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 relevant under the automatic entitlement criteria
You will also need to provide:
- your National Insurance number if you have one
- the details of your current Blue Badge if you are reapplying
You can renew or apply at GOV.UK
If you do not want to apply online you can download and complete our application form and send it to the address on the form. Representatives of organisations should also complete this form.
It can take up to 20 weeks for your application to be assessed. Do not call or email us to chase your application as this can cause delays in processing.
Terminal conditions
If you are suffering from a terminal condition, you can download and complete a fast-track application form or you can apply online at GOV.UK.
With your application you must supply either a completed DS1500 or medical evidence confirming your disability.
Renewal 75+
If you are 75 years or more and your current badge was issued by us, you can download and complete the 75+ renewal form within 3 months of the expiry date of your current permit.
If you cannot download the renewal form you can visit a One Stop Shop to pick up a paper copy or request one by email to contravel@southglos.gov.uk.
Replace your Blue Badge
You can download and complete the replacement badge form if your badge has been lost or stolen.
Return your Blue Badge
Blue Badge holders must return the badge to us (our address is under the contacts section) by law if:
- the badge expires
- the badge holder is no longer eligible or their mobility improves
- the badge holder is issued with a replacement badge and later finds the original but fails to return it
- the badge is illegible
- the badge is no longer required by the badge holder
Change your details
You must advise us of any change to your address or personal details. Phone or email us by using the contact details on this page.
Your rights and responsibilities
You must use the Blue Badge properly.
The guidance from the Department for Transport explains your responsibilities as a badge holder including who can use the badge and how to display it.
Your Blue Badge remains the property of the council and we have power to withdraw it in some circumstances.
We may also ask you to return your Blue Badge if:
- you are convicted of misusing it
- your badge was obtained falsely
Appeals
If your application for a Blue Badge is refused you may request a review of the decision by contacting contravel@southglos.gov.uk within one calendar month of the date of the initial refusal letter.
You may ask the Blue Badge team to review the decision if:
- your mobility problems have become more serious
- all the relevant facts were not taken into consideration at the time of assessment
You should include evidence to support your request. Further information may be requested by the reviewing officer.