The blue badge (disabled persons) parking scheme is a national scheme that allows disabled people to maintain their independence by enabling them to park as close as possible to their destination.

A blue badge is not linked to a specific vehicle, it can be used in any car you’re travelling in, whether you’re the driver or passenger.

If you’re a parent or carer of a child with disabilities you can apply for a Blue Badge on their behalf.

Never pay someone to apply for you.

Ignore any websites or companies which offer to apply for a Blue Badge on your behalf, especially for a fee. If you've been affected by a scam like this please contact Citizens Advice.

How to apply for or renew a blue badge

Step 1 - check if you're eligible

See if you meet the eligibility criteria on GOV.UK

Step 2 - check what you need before you apply

You will need to provide:

  • the first 6 digits of your current Blue Badge number (if you're reapplying)
  • a passport-style photograph of yourself taken within the last month
  • your National Insurance number
  • proof of address - such as your driving licence, benefit award letter, or we can check our council tax records (we don’t accept utility bills, bank statements or tenancy agreements)
  • proof of identity such as:
    • driving licence
    • passport
    • birth or adoption certificate
    • marriage or civil partnership certificate
    • deed poll certificate  
  • Proof of relevant medical evidence or qualifying disability benefits:
    • if you’re in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you may not need to provide your award letter, we’ll check your Blue Badge eligibility with the Department for Works and Pensions on your behalf.
    • If you are in receipt of War Pension Mobility Supplement or have been awarded a lump sum from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (tariffs 1-8) and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which means you can’t walk or you find walking very difficult, please contact Veterans UK if you need a copy of your award letter.

You’ll need to have a photo of each of these, or have them scanned onto your computer, phone or tablet, so that you can upload them on to the application form. If you can’t upload them, please email them to the blue badge team or post them to:

Blue Badge Team, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1UH

Step 3 - check how to pay then apply

A Blue Badge costs £10. You’ll be asked to pay when you submit your application; please make sure you have a debit or credit card ready to make the payment. Card payments will appear on your bank statement as ‘WBC MV Internet’ followed by the amount paid.

If your application is unsuccessful, your payment will be refunded.

Apply for a Blue Badge

Renew a Blue Badge

After you apply

We’ll look at what you’ve told us to see whether you’re eligible for a Blue Badge. We’ll write to you and let you know our decision. We deal with applications as quickly as we can but can take up to 12 weeks.

If we approve your application

We’ll send the badge to you in the post, and it’s now yours to use.

If we need more information

We may ask you for more information or evidence, or we may ask you to meet with an independent assessor.

If we refuse your application

We’ll refund the £10 payment back to the card you paid with.

You can ask us to review the decision if you contact us within 28 days, you will need your original case reference number. Please include any more relevant information which you think we need to know. 

Appeal a decision for a Blue Badge

If you haven’t already had an independent assessment, we may ask you to have one. Or, if you have, you may need to have an assessment with a different independent assessor.

If we still can’t give you a Blue Badge, we'll contact you to explain why; this decision is final.

If we approve your application, we’ll ask you to pay £10 to enable us to order your badge.

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged Blue Badge

If your Blue Badge is lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a replacement.

A Blue Badge costs £10. You’ll be asked to pay when you submit your application; please make sure you have a debit or credit card ready to make the payment. Card payments will appear on your bank statement as ‘WBC MV Internet’ followed by the amount paid.

Replace a Blue Badge

Cancel a Blue Badge

If you would like to cancel a Blue Badge, please report it below, you’ll be asked the reason why you would like to cancel. If you have the badge, please return this to us as soon as possible.

Cancel a Blue Badge

You may want to cancel because you don’t need a badge anymore, including expired badges. The badge may be damaged or too worn to use or belongs to someone who has died or you’ve found somewhere.

Please post to Blue Badge Team, Warrington Borough Council, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1UH

Where you can park

Check guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT). It will explain your rights and responsibilities when using the badge and provides information about where you can park.

Remember to make sure you put your badge, with the photo facing down, on your dashboard so it can be clearly seen from outside the car, and set the time where necessary. 

Blue badge misuse

If you use an expired Blue Badge or misuse your Blue Badge you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or other enforcement action. You could be fined up to £1,000, which is on top of any parking offences, fines or tickets.

Let us know if someone has a Blue Badge who shouldn’t have one, using someone else’s badge or they’re parking unlawfully or dangerously.

Please tell us as much information as possible such as their name, address or a description of them. Tell us their vehicle registration and describe the vehicle they’re using. And, where do they usually park and when.

Other information

The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the legislation that sets out the framework for the Blue Badge Scheme. Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the scheme. We follow the guidance which applies to England. If you visit Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the rules will be different and you will need to look at their guidelines.
It is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure that badges are only issued to residents who satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria. Under no circumstances should anyone who does not satisfy at least one of the criteria receive a badge. Having a certain condition or disability does not automatically entitle somebody to a Blue Badge.

Problems applying?

If you have any problems applying for a Blue Badge please contact us so that we can help.