Blue Badge renewal tip means parking permit is always valid and never at risk of fine
The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Transport and Transport Scotland show that there are currently more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779). The Scottish figure may be much higher as the most recent data was published in November 2021.
The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through the online service. For users of the scheme due to renew this year they may not be aware of a nifty way to ensure a seamless transition from the old badge to the new one which ensures the permit is always valid.
Badge holders are advised to renew 12 weeks before the expiry date, however, doing it earlier has no impact on your existing Blue Badge as the start date will be the day after the current one expires.
Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.'
It's also worth noting that once you have completed the renewal process online, which involves providing details of your existing Blue Badge, personal details and eligibility criteria, you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful.
If you have, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council - in Scotland this is £20. It costs up to £10 in England and is free in Wales.
Once the payment has been made, 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 include:
Name of your local authority issuing the Badge
Badge number
Badge start date
Badge expiry date
If your Blue Badge is due 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 fine.
Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on MyGov.Scot explains: '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 criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals 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 renew a Blue Badge online
You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
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 start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process.
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
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