Apply or re-apply for a Blue Badge

How to apply for a Blue Badge, change your circumstances or report the death of a Blue Badge holder.

There is a 12-week processing time allowed and all applications are processed in the date order they are received. Please keep a note of the date you submit your application as if it has been less than 12 weeks since you applied, we will be unable to provide you with an update.

If we can't decide eligibility based on your application and supporting evidence, you may be asked to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment. This will delay the decision regarding your eligibility.


Before you apply

We are unable to automatically reissue badges - everyone needs to re-apply.

Re-apply for a Blue Badge

The earliest date you can re-apply for the Blue Badge is 18 weeks before the current badge expires. This allows for the current 12 weeks processing time.

If you're re-applying your Blue Badge, you will need:

  • details of your current Blue Badge. All expired badges should be returned to us. New ones must not be displayed until they are in date, otherwise you may be fined.
  • proof of your address or identity,  only if these have changed since your last badge was issued
  • your National Insurance number
  • a passport style photo.

If you receive any mobility benefits, you may be asked to provide proof of this.

If you are re-applying and don't receive mobility benefits, you need to tell us if you:

  • use any mobility aids
  • take any medication for your condition – provide a copy of your recent prescription list
  • have received any treatments for your condition since your previous badge was issued and provide copies of medical evidence from Consultants and Specialists or other Health Care Professionals dated in the last 12 months. Appointment letters are not evidence.

If we need to request further medical evidence to support your application, we will contact you.

If you put your application in more than 18 weeks before your current badge expires, our system automatically cancels the application as you have applied too soon and you will need to apply again.

Please be aware that if you use an expired badge or use a note saying you reapplied whilst waiting for the new one, you may get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or other enforcement action could be taken.

A badge is not issued on the basis of a diagnosis of a particular condition alone, the badge will be awarded on the severity of the effect the medical condition is having on the applicant’s mobility. The application will need to be supported by evidence relating to the above criteria.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We want your feedback

We recently refreshed our Blue Badge scheme information on the Suffolk County Council website. Let us know what you think of it.


Contact us

If you require any further assistance with your Blue Badge application you can: