Blue Badges allow people who are disabled or have a health condition that affects their mobility to park closer to where they need to go. You can apply for a Blue Badge as a driver, passenger or organisation.
Blue Badges are valid for a maximum of 3 years depending on the conditions of the application.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge
You can apply for or renew a Blue Badge online at GOV.UK. You can reapply for a new badge 12 weeks before it runs out. If you are renewing your badge (this is not done automatically) please complete a new online form at least 12 weeks before your current badge expires.
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge online (external website)
If you need help over the phone to complete an online application please contact your local Library and One Stop Shop.
In Wales there is no charge for a Blue Badge. Anyone that charges to apply for a Blue Badge is not a genuine provider and should be avoided.
What happens next?
The application process can take up to a maximum of 10 weeks.
If you are successful, your badge will be posted to you - it can take up to 2 weeks to arrive (from the date the badge approval is sent to the printers).
If your application is unsuccessful, you can reapply if your circumstances change or you can contact us with further information for consideration. There is no appeals process.
What if my details change?
Please let us know if you change your name or address, or if you get a new car with a different registration number.
There is a charge of £10 to change your name. It does not cost anything to change any other details.
Who can apply for a Blue Badge?
An individual can qualify for a Blue Badge in one of the following categories (select a category for more information):
Automatic
An individual may be eligible for a badge, without the need for an assessment, if they:
- Receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the following levels:
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- 12 points for Planning and Following a Journey
- 8 points or more for moving around
- Receive Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
- Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Tariff 1-8 (inclusive) and includes Permanent Mental Disorder under Tariff 6
- Receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
- Are 'Registered blind' or have a 'severe sight impairment'
Discretionary
Certain circumstances might make an individual eligible, these are:
- Completely unable to walk. Considerable difficulty walking. Substantial impairment to mobility
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- A person over two years old who has a permanent and substantial disability. This means they are unable to walk or have considerable difficulty walking. They need walking aids or even oxygen to walk a short distance such as half a length of a football pitch.
- A child under the age of three who has a medical condition that means:
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- They must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without difficulty.
- They must always be near a vehicle to access life saving medical treatment for that condition or they can be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where such treatment can be given.
- Severe disability in both arms
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- A person, who due to this disability, has considerable difficulty, or is unable, to operate all or some types of parking meter. This badge can only be used by the person when they are the driver.
- Severe Cognitive Impairment
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- A person who is unable to plan or follow any journey without the help of someone else.
- A terminal illness that seriously limits mobility
Temporary
An individual can apply for a temporary 12 month badge if they are recovering from, or awaiting treatment for serious illnesses or injuries. Examples of these are:
- Recovering from complex leg fractures, like those managed with external fixators, for periods of well over a year
- Recovering from or awaiting joint replacement e.g. hip, knee, that severely limits mobility
- Recovering from stroke or head injury which impacts on mobility
- Recovering from spinal trauma which impacts on mobility
- Undergoing medical treatment e.g. for cancer, that impacts on mobility
Organisations
An Organisation can qualify for a Blue Badge if it both cares for and transports disabled people who would themselves be eligible for an individual Blue Badge.
Where can I park?
If you have a Blue Badge you can park:
- on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless there are restrictions on loading or unloading (shown by yellow kerb dashes and/or signs);
- at on-street parking meters for free and for as long as you need to
- in disabled parking bays in car parks (you will still need to pay at car parks in Denbighshire)
How do I display the Blue Badge?
You should display the Blue Badge on the dashboard, so that it can be seen clearly from outside the vehicle.
The front of the badge should face upwards, showing the wheelchair symbol, or hologram on the new design.
When you receive your badge, it will have a parking clock attached. Whenever you park on yellow lines, or in a place with time restrictions, the clock should show the quarter-hour period when you arrived.
Additional information about Blue Badges
The following reasons alone do not make an individual eligible for a Blue Badge:
- Pregnancy
- Lower Rate Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability in one arm
- Bladder or bowel problems such as Crohn’s or Colitis
- Temporary conditions such as limb fractures or sprains that require being in a cast for weeks or months
- Treatment for an illness or injury that does not severely impact on mobility
For more information about Blue Badges please email us at: blue.badge@denbighshire.gov.uk.
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