DVLA's three month warning for drivers with a Blue Badge

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a three month notice to anyone who is planning to apply for or renew a Blue Badge. According to driving experts, the cost of a Blue Badge varies depending on your location, and in some cases, it may be free.

As outlined on the official GOV.UK website, applications can be submitted on behalf of yourself, someone else or an organisation. However, submitting an application does not guarantee that a badge will be issued.

What is a Blue Badge and who can get one?

Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. There is spaces dedicated to badge holders meaning nobody else can park there unless you have your badge on display.

How much does a Blue Badge cost?

A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. However if you live in Wales it’s free and you can apply here. There’s a different way to apply if you’re in Northern Ireland which you can do here.

You may be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies:

• you cannot walk at all
• you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
• you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
• walking is dangerous to your health and safety
• you have a life limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form
• you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
• you are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
• you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey
• you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
• you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
• you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces

Who automatically gets a Blue Badge?

You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• you receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
• you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

How long does a Blue Badge last?

Blue Badges typically last up to three years. However, the DVLA stresses the importance of reapplying within a three month window before your current badge expires.

They caution: “You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires. If you’re replacing a lost, stolen or damaged blue badge, and it is not expiring in the next 3 months, you need to use a different service here.”

They also note that the council, who approves or rejects your application, will “usually make a decision within 12 weeks.” Because of this, if you need to apply for a new one before your current badge expires, do so in plenty of time.

How to apply for a badge or renew online?

The government officials say you will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You’ll 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’ll also need to know:

• your National Insurance number (if you have one)
• the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)

Why was my Blue Badge application was refused?

If you apply and are refused, your council should tell you why you’re not eligible. If you don’t agree with the outcome, you can ask them to reconsider your case. You can also reapply if your mobility problems become more serious. For questions about the Blue Badge scheme, you are urged to contact your local council.