Blue Badge 12-week warning for millions of people currently using a permit as a driver or passenger

The latest statistics from the Scottish Department of Transport and Communications show that there are currently more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779). The Scottish figure could be much higher as the latest figures were published in November 2021.

Eligibility criteria for the Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include people with invisible disabilities such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia and epilepsy. The permit allows people to park closer to where they want to go when traveling as a driver or passenger.

Most users will be aware that their Blue Badge expires three years from the time of issue, however many may not be aware that renewal is not automatic and an application should be made 12 weeks (three months) before expiry to ensure a new the permit will come before the current one ceases to be valid. Blue badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it expires.

This is because displaying an obsolete blue badge is classified as “incorrect use”. Transport Scotland guidance states: “Misuse of a badge is a crime. If you misuse the badge, you can be prosecuted.”

Blue Badge eligibility is also reviewed each time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on MyGov.Scot explains: “Your blue badge is not automatically renewed. You must reapply for it every 3 years.

“Your eligibility will be checked each time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get the blue badge. Your local council will process your application and decide if you can get a blue badge.

“You should reapply 12 weeks before the badge expires.”

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 GOV.UK here.

How to renew your blue badge online

You will need a current digital photograph showing your head and shoulders.

You will also need a photo or scan of:

• proof of identity (e.g. birth certificate, passport or driver’s license)
• proof of address (such as a Council Tax receipt or government letter)
• proof of benefits (if you get one)

You will also need to know:

• your national insurance number (if you have one)
• details of your current blue badge

You can run the application online and save the information you entered if you need to search for the documents you need. You can easily return to it later to complete the process.

Change details

If your:

• name
• address
• council area
• contact information

Top 10 things to remember when using a blue badge

• You must follow the rules when using the blue badge, otherwise you are committing an offence
• You can only use your blue badge as a driver or passenger
• No one else should use your badge unless you are in the vehicle with it
• You should not use your blue badge to obtain a parking space unless you are exiting the vehicle
• You may not allow other people to use your badge
• You must display the blue badge correctly facing up so that the number is clearly visible and your photo is face down
• You must apply for a new badge before your old badge expires
• If your badge is damaged, you must apply for a new one
• Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police and local council
• Check the signs and make sure blue badge holders can park there