Blue Badge renewal tip every holder needs to know

The most recent figures from the Department for Work and Transport reveal that over 3.2 million Blue Badge holders currently exist across the UK, with England accounting for 2.57 million. The UK Government has recently disclosed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are now being submitted via the online platform.

For scheme users whose permits are due for renewal this year, there's a clever trick to guarantee a smooth changeover from your old badge to the new one, ensuring continuous validity. Permit holders are recommended to renew 12 weeks prior to the expiry date, though applying earlier won't affect your current Blue Badge since the new start date will begin the day after your existing one runs out, reports the Daily Record.

Blue Badge holders risk facing a substantial £1,000 penalty if they continue displaying an expired permit. This is because showing an out-of-date Blue Badge constitutes 'misuse'.

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It's also important to remember that after completing the online renewal process - which requires providing your existing Blue Badge details, personal information and eligibility requirements - you'll receive an email confirmation regarding whether your application has been approved. Should you qualify, the email will also contain guidance on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council.

It costs up to £10 in England and is free of charge in Wales. After the payment has been processed, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming that your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days.

The email also includes:

Name of your local authority issuing the Badge

Badge number

Badge start date

Badge expiry date

If your Blue Badge is set to expire in September or October, you can renew it now and have peace of mind that you won't forget - or run the risk of a penalty.

Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also assessed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on MyGov.Scot states: "Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years. Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge. You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires."

The eligibility requirements for a Blue Badge were broadened in 2019 to include people with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger.

How to apply for Blue Badge renewal online

A current digital photograph displaying head and shoulders will be required.

You will 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 will also need to know:

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

You can initiate the application process online and save your entered information if you need to search for necessary documents. You can conveniently return to it later and finish the procedure.

Change of details

You should contact your local council if there's a change to your:

• name
• address
• council area
• contact details

Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge

• You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don’t you are committing a crime
• You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger
• No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them
• If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space
• You must not let other people use your badge
• You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down
• You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out
• If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one
• Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council
• Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there