Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

1 Overview

Due to the Department for Transport making major changes to the national Blue Badge online application form and database during the first week of February 2019, some disruption to normal service could be experienced. We are working to minimise any impact on customers during this period.

Blue Badges enable disabled people with severe mobility problems to park close to services or facilities that they need. Blue Badge holders may travel as either the driver or passenger.

The quickest and easiest way to apply or renew is online.

• It is quick and easy - no waiting for your documents to arrive in the post.
• It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can choose a time and day that suits you.
• There is an eligibility checker.
• It is available to access from a number of devices (smartphone, tablet, PC)
• Once you have applied online, all future online renewals will be even easier as some of the information you provide can be carried forward.
• For any missing information you will get an immediate response, reducing delays. 

2 Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a Blue Badge you must meet certain criteria. These are detailed in the Department for Transport leaflet on the GOV.UK website.

The DfT are currently reviewing eligibility criteria for people with non-physical conditions. To-date the legislation has not been amended, so we recommend you use the eligibility checker link below to check the current status.

There is also an eligibility checker on the online application and renewal form.

3 How to apply for or renew a Blue Badge

Also note that:

• applying for or renewing a Blue Badge is the same process
• you can reapply up to 12 weeks in advance of your current badge running out. You will receive a reminder advising you when to do this
• it may take up to eight weeks to process an application or renewal
• you may be asked to attend an appointment with an Independent Mobility Assessor
• you can apply or renew either online or by post. 

Apply or renew online

Before starting your online application or renewal, make sure you have the following information ready:

• details of your current Blue Badge (if you have one)
• your National Insurance number
• details of your doctor and any specialists you see
• details of any medication you take, including the dosage.

You will also need to attach the following certified documents, either as scanned documents or as digital photographs:

• a recent, colour passport-size photograph
• a document confirming your address, such as a council tax or utility bill dated within the last 12 months
• a document proving your identity, such as your passport or driving licence
• recent medical evidence of your disability
• your award letter if you are applying under any of the automatic eligibility criteria.

Please note: This form may take some time to complete depending on the type of application. If you cannot complete your application in one sitting and to avoid losing your progress, we recommend you 'save and exit' at regular intervals, particularly before being asked to upload your documents and photo. Details of how to retrieve your saved application will be sent to you automatically by email.

A certified copy is a copy of a document that has been verified as being a true copy by a person who knows you. They should not be related to you by birth or marriage, live at the same address or be in a personal relationship with you.

If you do not have the facility to scan documents at home, you can scan and upload them to your memory stick at one of our libraries free of charge.

You will be asked for payment details during the application or renewal process, but you will only be charged the £10 fee if your application is successful.

Apply or renew by post

If you prefer to apply by post, download, print and complete the application form below. The return address is at the bottom of the form.

Along with your application form you will also need to post the following certified documents:

• a recent, colour, passport-standard and size photograph, signed on the back by the applicant
• a copy of a document confirming your address, such as a council tax or utility bill dated within the last 12 months
• a copy of a document proving your identity, such as an ID card or passport
• recent medical evidence of your disability
• a copy of your award letter if you are applying under any of the automatic eligibility criteria.

A certified copy is a copy of a document that has been verified as being a true copy by a person who knows you. They should not be related to you by birth or marriage, live at the same address or be in a personal relationship with you.

We are not responsible for documents that are lost in the post; applicants send them in at their own risk. Please do not send the original documents.

Remember, the cost of postage varies according to the size, thickness and weight of the letter. Underpaid postage will severely delay your application. As an alternative, you can hand your application in free of charge at any West Sussex library.

If you would like us to send you a form, please contact us via email or phone (see below).

We will ask you to pay the £10 fee when you collect your Blue Badge from your nominated library.

4 What happens next

You can track the progress of your online application using your GOV.UK reference number.

We will let you know the outcome of your application or renewal.

5 Collecting your badge

If you are successful we'll advise you where you can collect your badge.

The Blue Badge may only be collected by the badge holder, unless you are applying for a badge for a child under 16 years of age. In this case, as the parent/guardian you are able to collect the badge on their behalf.

Please don't ask friends or family members to collect the badge for you as library staff can only give the badge to you.

Before you use your Blue Badge, visit GOV.UK and download the booklet to find out how to use it.