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Blue Badge Scheme FAQ

Am I entitled to a Blue Badge?

It is important that you read the eligibility criteria before completing the application form.

Eligibility criteria

You are eligible for a Blue Badge if:

  • You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
  • You are registered blind or severely sight impaired
  • You receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
  • You have been awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1 - 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking

Eligible subject to further assessment if:

  • You have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but are unable to operate all or some types of parking meters
  • You have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk, or have very considerable difficulty in walking

Children under three

A parent/guardian of a child who is less that three years old may apply for a badge for their child if the child has a specific medical condition which means that they:

  • Must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried out without great difficulty.
  • Must always be kept near to a vehicle so that, if necessary, treatment for that condition can be given in the vehicle or the child can be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where such treatment can be given.

People with a psychological disorder will not normally qualify unless their impairment causes very considerable difficulty in walking.

In some cases we may ask you further questions to help us determine whether you are eligible for a badge

Note: Organisations caring for disabled people meeting one or more of the above criteria may be able to get a badge, but this is entirely at the local authorities discretion and the conditions for using such badges must be strictly observed

Note: If your application is approved, normal practice is to send your Blue Badge via post or you can collect from the First Stop Shop.

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How is my application processed?

  • Under the National Blue Badge Scheme, Local Authorities have to re-assess applicants every three years.
  • The Local Authority has an agreement with the local Health Authority that applicant's GPs will no longer be involved in the assessment process. We will invite you to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment with the council’s medical team, who will provide a report on your walking ability. We may ask you to provide further information from your GP or Consultant
  • Under the National Blue Badge Scheme, following consideration of all information collected, the final decision to award or refuse a badge rests with the Local Authority.
  • Under the National Blue Badge Scheme, you will not qualify for a badge if:
    • You don’t have a severe/permanent walking disability.
    • You have an intermittent or temporary disability.
    • We treat all applications for Blue Badges as new-having a Blue Badge already doesn’t automatically entitle you to new permit.
    • Please note that if we need you to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment to confirm your eligibility for a Blue Badge, we cannot process your application until we have this information.
    • Delays are most common when proof of eligibility, residency, identity or a recent colour passport style photograph are not sent with the application, so please remember to enclose these where necessary. Please also remember to sign your application form.
    • We will ‘fast-track’ applications for terminally ill customers, but you will need to tell us your circumstances.

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Is there a charge for a Blue Badge?

Yes, currently the charge is £2.00.

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Do I still need to supply two photographs with my application form?

No, only one colour passport style photograph is required for your badge.

Please note The Department for Transport have indicated that they will only except photographs used for blue badges to be in accordance with passport standards;

  • a recent, colour passport-style photograph
  • a true likeness of the applicant, showing the applicant’s full face so that the holder can be easily identified
  • no one else should be in the photograph
  • taken against an off-white, cream or light grey plain background
  • the dimensions of the photograph on the badge will be 35mm wide x 45mm high.

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I have applied for a badge and have yet to receive anything. What is happening?

The Blue Badge Team will be happy to check the status of your application. Please call 01922 653560 or visit the First Stop Shop.

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I have lost or had my disabled badge stolen. What do I do to get a replacement?

Report this immediately to the police to obtain an incident number if it is stolen, or a lost property number if you have mislaid it. When you have this information contact the Blue Badge Team.

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Will I automatically receive a new badge when my current one expires?

Badges normally last for three years and must be renewed. We recommend that you reapply six to eight weeks prior to your current badge expiry date.

If I move house but stay within the Walsall Borough, what do I need to do?

You need to contact us as soon as possible with your new address and telephone number.  You can do this by calling us or sending us a letter to the address below

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If I leave Walsall and move to another address in the UK what do I need to do?

Your current badge is still valid. When your badge is due to expire, you will need to make an application to your new Local Authority.

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What evidence do I need to provide?

All applicants will need to provide proof of address and proof of your identity

you can provide one of the following for proof of your address, dated within the last 12 months;

  • a Council Tax bill bearing my name and address
  • if you are over the age of 16 and give consent to the local authority to check your address on the electoral register
  • a utility bill, such as a gas, electricity or landline telephone bill
  • a formal letter from an Organisation such as your hospital, school or the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

you can provide one of the following for proof of your identity;

  • Birth certificate / adoption certificate
  • Marriage / Divorce certificate
  • Valid Passport
  • Civil Partnership / Dissolution certificate
  • Valid driving licence
  • Medical/NHS card

If registered blind (severely sight impaired), we require the name of the Local Authority under which you are registered and a Certificate of Vision Impairment.

If in receipt of a qualifying allowance, a photocopy of an official letter confirming an award of the allowance is required.

If a war pensions mobility supplement, we require an official letter confirming the award.

If a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme, we require an official letter confirming the award.

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Is my badge transferable between vehicles?

Yes. Badges are issued to individuals not vehicles.

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If I run a home for the elderly, can I have a badge?

Forms to apply for an Organisational Badge for a residential home or day care centre are available from the Blue Badge Team at:

Blue Badge Team
First Stop Shop
Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
WS1 1EU

Telephone 01922 653560
Email bluebadges@walsall.gov.uk

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Can I use the badge even though it has expired?

No, it is illegal to use an expired badge.

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I do not drive; will I still be entitled to a badge?

Yes, the badge is issued to people with mobility problems and it allows them to travel in cars belonging to relatives and friends.

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I have two cars; will I be able to have two badges?

No. Only one badge per person can be issued. In any case badges should not be permanently left inside cars. The badge should only be displayed when using parking concessions.

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If I change my car can I still use the badge?

Yes, you can still use the badge. You can use the badge in whatever vehicle you travel in either as a driver or a passenger.

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Is misuse of a Blue Badge a serious offence?

Your badge can be withdrawn if you misuse it or allow others to misuse it.

It is a ciminal offence for non-disabled people to use a badge, if they do so 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.

If you suspect that someone is abusing or misusing a Blue Badge, for example, using a badge that does not belong to them, please let us know.

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The details on my current badge have faded. What can I do?

You must contact the Blue Badge Team as soon as possible.

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How do I get a disability parking badge (blue badge)?

You can request a Blue Badge application form, report a badge as lost/stolen, report the misuse of a badge (confidentially) or make a general enquiry via our online Blue Badge

Alternatively you can contact the Blue Badge Team.

Blue Badge Team
First Stop Shop
Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
WS1 1EU

Telephone 01922 653560
Email bluebadges@walsall.gov.uk

For further information about the Blue Badge Scheme contact the Department for Transport at www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/

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How do I appeal when I have been refused a blue badge?

There is no legal requirement for Local authorities to have an appeals procedure in place. However, in Walsall, if you disagree with the decision you may write to the Blue Badge Team at First Stop Shop, Walsall Council, Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1EU and ask for a review of your application. You have 28 days from the assessment date to request a review of decision in writing.

Your application will be considered by a manager from the Occupational Health Team and you will be notified with a decision.

If you are unsuccessful, reason(s) will be provided.

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