Blue badge scheme
The blue badge scheme helps people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination and access designated bays.
You can check online if you're eligible for a blue badge.
Badges last for up to 3 years and do not automatically renew.
When to apply
Your application can take up to 16 weeks to be processed. If demand is high, it may take longer.
If you’ve already got a badge, re-apply in plenty of time before it expires. You shouldn’t use the expired badge – it’s illegal and you could be fined. Find out more about rights and responsibilities.
How to apply for a blue badge
You should apply online.
There's a full list of the evidence you’ll need on the government’s website.
You’ll also need a payment card.
Renewals count as new applications, so you’ll need to re-submit all documents.
If you choose not to upload your documents when you’re applying, you can contact us to send images by email or copies by post instead.
Get support with your application
If you can’t use the online form, Walsall Connected staff in libraries and community hubs can help. Call your chosen location ahead of your visit and remember to bring your evidence, ID, and payment card.
You can also watch our short video below to find out more about how to apply.
Transcript for Blue Badge applications video
Introduction
Welcome to Walsall Council's how-to guide on blue badge applications.
This video has interactive buttons you can select while watching. When you do, the video will pause and take you to a webpage with helpful information or next steps. You can return to the video and resume when you're ready.
The blue badge scheme offers parking benefits for people with mobility challenges. Helping you park closer to where you need to be. Whether it's the shops, your GP, or your local community centre.
Who can get a blue badge?
For more information on eligibility for a blue badge visit the Government website. Select Check Eligibility link to see if you're eligible.
Application process
Applying is quick and fully online. Paper application forms are no longer accepted.
The process is the same whether renewing a badge or applying for a new one.
You'll need to enter personal details, upload the required documents, and pay a small admin fee.
If you're renewing, you can apply up to 12 weeks before your current badge expires.
You will need to complete the online application form in full along with providing:
- proof of identity
- proof of address
- a recent head and shoulders digital photo
- your national insurance number (if you have one)
- contact details like your phone number, email, and postal address
Submitting evidence
All applicants must confirm their identity and address. When proving your identity, you can provide a copy of one of the following:
- birth or adoption certificate
- passport
- driving licence
- marriage or civil partnership certificate
- divorce or dissolution certificate
To prove your address, you can provide a copy of either:
- a recent council tax bill
- a recent letter from a government department such as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- your driving licence
- a recent letter from a school (if you are under 16)
If you have a terminal condition, your healthcare professional may provide a DS1500 (or SR1) form to support your application.
For each piece of evidence, you will need to upload a document or photo. If you need help with this you can watch our helpful guide to uploading documents, by selecting the thumbnail on screen now.
If you still cannot upload documents, you can mark that section as complete and send a physical copy of your supporting documents by post. You can post them to Blue Badge Team Civic Centre, Darwall Street, WS1 1TP. Make sure to include your application reference number if you do.
Once completed
Once all sections are complete, you will be asked to check your answers, agree to the declaration and submit and pay.
Once your application is approved and all required documents, payment, and photo have been received, your Blue Badge will be issued and sent to your home address.
Ready to apply? If you are ready to apply, select the link to start your application online at gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Need help?
If you need help getting online you can visit your local Walsall Connected centre for support. Before visiting our centres, check the opening times and availability. Go to our website by selecting the Walsall Connected webpage link to find your local Walsall Connected Centre.
If you wish to speak to someone regarding more information about what has been covered in this video, you can contact Walsall Council's Blue Badge Team on 01922 653560.
Got a question? Ask WALIS our chatbot on Walsall.gov.uk.
Assessments
If you are not automatically eligible for a blue badge, we’ll need to assess your application.
We may ask for some extra information. Please be aware that:
- we’re not able to access or request your medical records on your behalf
- you are responsible for any costs to get medical reports
For terminal conditions (defined as a life expectancy of around six months), a DS1500/SR1 form is commonly used as supporting evidence
Once we've looked at your evidence we may contact you over the phone to do an assessment.
What happens next
If your application is approved, your badge should be delivered to your home address in 14 to 21 working days.
When to contact us
You don’t need to tell us about changes to your name, address or vehicle.
If your badge has been lost or stolen, you must report it online:
You’ll need to provide a crime reference number. We will contact you to let you know what happens next. If your badge is found, you must let us know.
Get in touch to:
- return an expired badge
- cancel your application
- cancel an active blue badge
- get a refund for an unsuccessful application
You can also contact us if:
- you have a query about providing more evidence
- it’s been 21 working days or more since your application was approved and your badge hasn’t arrived
- it’s been 16 weeks since you applied and you want to check the status of your application
If your application was unsuccessful
If you disagree with our decision, you can request a review within 28 days.
You can appeal by email or by post. You should include:
- why you think the decision is wrong (make reference to the points raised in your letter of refusal)
- additional evidence that would help support your request for review - this needs to be different to your original evidence
We’ll look at your application again and let you know our final decision.
You can reapply for a blue badge after six months (or earlier if your mobility has deteriorated significantly).
Health and wellbeing
Walsall Leisure offers a range of programmes and activities designed to help you and your family, whatever your fitness levels
Contact information
Before contacting us, please check to see if we can answer your question from our online information.
Email:
Phone:
Write to us:
Blue Badge Team, Walsall Council, Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall WS1 1TP
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