Blue badges - frequently asked questions

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How do I find out if I might qualify for a blue badge?

Please contact the Blue Badge team on 01225 713002 to discuss.

How do I apply for a Blue Badge?

You can complete a paper application form, please visit your local council office or contact the Blue Badge Team on 01225 713002. To get a form posted to you complete the apply for a blue badge request form. Completed application forms should be returned to Customer Care Centre, Department of Resources, Wiltshire Council, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN. You can also complete a online application form at DirectGov.

How long does the badge last?

The badge lasts up to three years, depending on how long the badge is issued for. If it is still required after this period you must re-apply to renew it.

How long does the badge take to issue?

We aim to issue Blue Badges within 10 working days, providing all the relevant paperwork has been returned to Blue Badges.

How much does the badge cost?

The badge is free of charge until the 1 February 2012, any badges after this date will require a £10 payment. The charge has been introduced to cover the increased production cost of the Blue Badge.

What are the criteria for a Blue Badge?

The applicant must be over two years of age. For children under the age of two years please contact the Blue Badge team on 01225 713002. People, who are in receipt of the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. This also applies to people who are registered blind. For others with severe mobility impairments, a Blue Badge may be issued once an application form has been completed either over the phone or on paper. We may need to contact your G.P and other Health professionals as necessary.

What evidence do I need to send with my application?

We need to see proof of ID and proof of Address to process your application. Proof of ID can be a copy of your passport, driving license or birth certificate. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement or HRM letter.

Can I sign the application on behalf of my Husband/Wife/Son/Daughter?

Yes. The application can be signed on behalf of the applicant by a designated member of the family or friend.

Do you advise upon the renewal date?

Yes. We automatically contact all current Blue Badge holders approximately one month before the expiry date of their badge. If you move before your badge is due to run out please contact the Blue Badge team on 01225 713002 with your new address

When renewing my badge do I need to complete another form?

Yes. Each badge is treated as a new application.

Can I use my badge anywhere in the UK?

No. There are some restrictions and they are clearly identified on page 15 of the booklet provided with your Blue Badge.

I am moving house to another local authority area. Can I still use my badge?

Yes. You can still use your badge up until the expiry date. To renew the badge you will need to re-apply through your new local council. You will need to follow through the new council's process for being awarded a Blue Badge.

My badge has been stolen, what do I do?

Please report your badge as lost/stolen to the police (even if it has been lost at home). The police will supply a lost property/crime number. Please then telephone the Blue badge Team on 01225 713002 with the Police report number.

I have lost my badge. How can I get another one?

If you have lost your badge please contact the Blue Badge team on 01225 713002. We will require an additional photograph and your contact details, along with a cheque for £10 so that a duplicate badge can then be issued. We will also need to see a copy of your proof of identity and proof of address to enable us to re-issue the badge.

Can I have two badges?

No. The Department of Transport Legislation only allows one badge to be issued per person for their personal use.

I don't drive, can I still have a Blue Badge?

Yes. You do not have to be a driver to qualify for a Disabled Parking Badge.

Can I have a badge if I am a visitor from overseas?

We cannot issue temporary Blue Badges. Blue Badges are only issued to people who are unable to walk due to a permanent and substantial disability. However, if you have an equivalent badge from a similar scheme in your own country ie a disabled parking scheme, then it is possible to ask the police to give you a permit to cover the period you are in this country. You will need to bring proof to show the police.

Can I use my badge abroad?

Most countries honour the UK badge. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DLTR) Blue Badge website has more information. A leaflet can be sent out giving details of European Countries that use the scheme. (If you are travelling in the USA, stop by a local police station there to clarify the local disabled parking schemes and the use of your badge).

Can the badge be used only in the applicant's vehicle?

The badge can be used in any vehicle in which the applicant is being transported. It is a criminal offence for non-disabled people to use a badge. If they do, they are liable to a fine of up to £1,000. It is a criminal offence to drive a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle, or the vehicle is being driven by someone other than the badge holder for the purpose of entering or leaving an area (which is accessible only to vehicles displaying a Blue Badge) in order to pick up or drop off the holder.

Is the application (photo, etc) made in the name of the driver or the disabled person?

The application is always made in the name of the disabled person. It is their badge for use in any vehicle.

Does an organisation require individual badges for clients or a badge for the home?

Badges are issued to individuals. This only allows greater flexibility for transport arrangements. Badges can only be issued to certain organisations following a conversation with the Blue Badge Team on 01225 713002.

It is difficult to get into a photo booth - can you issue a badge without photos?

If this is difficult, a recent cut down photograph taken at home is acceptable, however the photograph must be taken against a plain background and be of passport standard. We need to be able to 'cut' the applicant out of the photo to an approximate size of 2" x 2". Please contact the Blue badge Team on 01225 713002 if you have a difficulty in supplying a photo.

My child needs the badge - do I put my details or my child's?

The application should be made in the name of the child. The child is the applicant, their photograph and details are required.

Can I have a Blue Badge for my baby?

Please contact 01225 713002 to discuss this further.

I am registered partially sighted. Will I automatically qualify for a Blue Badge?

No. Only a person who is registered as blind under the National Assistance Act 1948 automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge.

I receive Higher Rate Attendance Allowance. Will I automatically be entitled to a Blue Badge?

No. You are only automatically entitled to a Blue Badge if you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. You will need to send evidence of this with your application form.

Do I have to send the original letter or certificate as proof of receiving the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance?

Send photocopies only, not original documents. If you don’t have a copy of your proof or require any information concerning you HRM then you can call the Department of Work and Pensions on 08457123456.

I receive a War Pension. Will this make the badge automatic?

Only the War Pensioners' mobility supplement gives automatic entitlement to a badge. Supply a copy of the letter confirming your supplement with your application

The badge holder recently died. What should I do with the Blue Badge?

Return the Blue Badge to the Blue Badge Team at Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. A letter is not necessary but we do need to know the date of death so that we can amend our records. You may keep the photograph if you wish. Please cut the badge in half before returning it to Wiltshire Council.

I need a disabled parking bay outside my house. How do I get one?

For further information please contact the Social Care Help Desk on 0300 4560111 or by emailing the Social Care Helpdesk at schd@wiltshire.gov.uk

Advice for disabled people from abroad

The blue badge introduced a standard design of disabled persons' parking card across all European Union (EU) Member States. This enables disabled visitors from within the EU to enjoy the parking concessions provided in the UK by displaying the badge issued under their own national scheme. For visitors from countries outside of the EU where no formal arrangements currently exist, UK parking enforcement officials may be prepared to recognise your disabled motorists' badges, although that will be entirely at their own discretion. We suggest that you bring your badge with you and check with the local parking authority in the areas you intend to visit.

Contact Details (LiveLink)

Multiple Contacts:
eMail: bluebadge@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713002
Out of hours:
Fax: 01225 713145
Postal Address:

Blue Badge Team
Customer Services
Wiltshire Council
County Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN

In Person:
DX:

Last updated: 23 February 2012

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