Apply or re-apply for a Blue Badge

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

check who can get a Blue Badge. You can also read this easy read version, or watch a YouTube video on how to apply.
have all the relevant documents you need to support your application ready to upload during the application process. You will need:
- proof of address
- proof of identity as a separate document
- a passport style photo
- a £10 administration fee
- medical evidence
Provide your email address, so we can contact you if any information is needed. We will also notify you of approval, and show you how to make payment.

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

Apply for a Blue Badge

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.

Re-apply for a Blue Badge

The cost of the Blue Badge is £10 to be paid when you apply. Please note, if your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a full refund.

If you are not able to make the payment at the time you submit your application you can pay using our automated telephone payment service by phoning 0800 090 2911 which is available 24 hours a day.

You'll need the unique Blue Badge payment reference number which will be provided to you by email or letter.

Contact us as soon as possible if your badge is lost or stolen by completing our form below.

If your badge is found after you have reported it lost or stolen, it can no longer be used and should be posted to the Blue Badge Team:

Blue Badge Team
Suffolk County Council
PO Box 258
Stowmarket
IP14 9BU

A replacement badge will be considered once we have validated details of your old one. We do not accept responsibility for any expenses you may incur as a result of not having your badge for a period of time. The decision to issue or refuse a replacement Blue Badge rests with us.

We work closely with other local authorities and parking services to reduce Blue Badge misuse. Old badge details will be passed to parking enforcement teams, who have access to a central database and may wish to make further enquiries.

Suffolk County Council is committed to protecting your privacy and will treat your personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and subsequent, revised UK data protection law. Read our Blue Badge privacy notice for more information.

Apply to replace a lost or stolen Blue Badge

You must provide new information (not seen previously) from a Health Care Professional who is currently involved in your treatment and care. It needs to detail your condition(s) and how these impact your mobility and if this is expected to endure for 3 years or longer.

Please send us your reasons in writing within 1 calendar month of the date of your refusal letter with any additional supporting information. Our email is bluebadgeteam@suffolk.gov.uk.

The application will be reviewed and, we may ask you to attend an appointment with our independent mobility assessor (if we have not done so already).

Blue Badge scheme rules

See guidance about your rights and responsibilities as a Blue Badge holder.

Disabled spaces in the UK

Parkopedia, lists all the car parks in the UK, letting you check before you travel if there are parking areas for disabled people.

Using your Blue Badge in Europe and other countries

You should always check if you are able to use your Blue Badge in the country you are visiting before travelling.

Using your non-European Blue Badge in the UK

We recommend that you contact the parking enforcement teams of the district and borough councils in the areas you will be visiting. They will be able to tell you if you can use the badge in the areas they are responsible for.

You may be asked to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment either in person or over the phone as part of the application process. This may also be referred to as an Expert Assessment.

Please note that we share application data with our partner, Access Independent, to obtain an unbiased assessment of eligibility for a Blue Badge. This data sharing underpins our application process. We do not share information about individuals without consent unless the law and our policies allow us to do so.

We share information securely. Anyone who receives information from us is legally required to keep it confidential. Find out what information the Blue Badge service collects and uses, and your rights regarding your information in the Blue Badge privacy notice.

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.

Blue Badge feedback form

Contact us

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

email bluebadgeteam@suffolk.gov.uk
call 03456 066 077

Apply or re-apply for a Blue Badge

Before you apply

Re-apply for a Blue Badge

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a Blue Badge cost?

How do I return a badge?

What do I do if the badge holder has died?

How do I report a badge lost or stolen?

How do I change details of my Blue Badge record?

How can I ask for a review of a refusal decision?

What are the rules for using a Blue Badge correctly in the UK, Europe and overseas?

What is an Independent Mobility Assessment?

Where can I read the Blue Badge privacy notice?

We want your feedback

Contact us