Getting a Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme helps people with mobility difficulties park more easily. Local authorities manage the scheme and decide who is eligible.

With a Blue Badge, you can usually park:

• In disabled parking bays
• On single or double yellow lines (for up to three hours, unless there are restrictions)
• For free on streets with parking meters or pay-and-display machines

The rules can vary depending on where you are. Always check local signs and with the local authority before parking. You can check where you can park with a Blue Badge on GOV.UK.

Blue Badges usually last for up to three years. Make sure to reapply before your badge expires.

To be eligible for a Blue Badge, you must be considered to have a disability or health condition that makes it very difficult to walk or you’re unable to walk.

You do not need to be able to drive to apply for a Blue Badge, unless you’re applying because of a condition that only affects your arms.

You might automatically qualify if:

• You receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or scored at least 8 points for the ‘moving around’ activity
• You receive PIP and scored 10 points for the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity and were put in category E – this means stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues stop you leaving the house
• You receive the higher rate of the mobility part of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• You receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• You are registered as blind

Even if you do not automatically qualify, you may still be eligible. For example, if you:

• Find walking difficult, painful, or slow
• Can only walk short distances without stopping
• Use bulky medical equipment or need someone to help you when out
• Cannot use parking meters due to problems with both arms

Children can also qualify for a Blue Badge in certain circumstances:

• Children over the age of two may be eligible if they have long-term problems walking or going to places – including mental health conditions
• Children under the age of three may qualify if they need to be close to a vehicle at all times

Your local council will review your application and may ask for more information or offer an assessment. This could include an appointment with a healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist.

When applying, it’s helpful to explain how your muscle wasting condition affects your mobility. Describe any pain, fatigue, or breathlessness you experience. Use examples from your worst days to show how your condition affects you.

You can apply or renew your Blue Badge online:

• Apply in England or Wales (GOV.UK)
• Apply in Scotland (mygov.scot)
• Apply in Northern Ireland (nidirect)

There may be a small charge depending on where you live. For up-to-date costs, check with your local council. You’ll also need to provide a recent photo with your application.

Your local council processes the application, and it may take several weeks to hear back. They’ll let you know if they need any more details.

If your application is turned down, your local council must explain why. If you think they’ve misunderstood your needs or missed important information, you can ask them to look at your case again. You can also reapply if your mobility has worsened since your last application.

For more advice or help with your application, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help you live as independently and actively as possible.

Author: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Last reviewed: June 2025
Next review due: June 2028