Blue Badge users issued three-month warning

Blue badge owners should make sure they submit a renewal application three months before their old one expires. This includes in parking bays, or on-street parking, however some restrictions apply. While many Blue Badge holders will know it has an expiry date of three years from the point of issue, some may not realise that renewal is not automatic.

Recent statistics from the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland reveal that there are over 3.2 million Blue Badge holders across England and Scotland, with 235,779 in Scotland. The actual number in Scotland could be higher, as the latest data dates back to November 2021. In 2019, the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge were expanded to include people with non-visible disabilities, such as Parkinson's, dementia, and epilepsy, enabling them to park closer to their destinations whether travelling as a driver or passenger.

Applications should be submitted 12 weeks (three months) before expiry to ensure the new badge arrives in time.

Blue Badge holders could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they continue to display an expired badge, as doing so is considered "misuse". According to Transport Scotland guidance: "Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge."

If your Blue Badge is set to expire before the end of the year, make sure to submit your renewal form by the end of this month to receive the new badge in time.

The replacement badge won't become valid until the old one expires, so you can store it safely until it's ready to use for a seamless swap.

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."

A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the GOV.UK site here.

How to renew a Blue Badge online

To renew your Blue Badge online, you will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will also need to provide a photo or scan of:

• proof of identity (for example, a birth certificate, passport, or driving licence)

• proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or official government letter)

• proof of benefits (if applicable)

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