Blue badge scheme FAQ

Am I entitled to a Blue Badge?

It is important that you read the eligibility criteria before completing the application form.

Eligibility criteria

You may be eligible for a Blue Badge if:

you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance;
you receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement;
you are registered blind;
you have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand, even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob; and
you have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk, or have very considerable difficulty in walking.

People with a psychological disorder will not normally qualify unless their handicap causes very considerable difficulty in walking.

(Note: Children under two years of age do not qualify for a badge because they would not normally be expected to walk independently).

Please note: If your application is approved, your Blue Badge will be sent out in the post and cannot be collected from the First Stop Shop.

How is my application processed?

Under the National Blue Badge Scheme, Local Authorities have to re-assess applicants every three years.
The Local Authority has an agreement with the local Health Authority that applicant's GPs will no longer be involved in the assessment process. Please do not approach your own GP to support your application for a Blue Badge. We will invite you to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment with the council’s medical team, who will provide a report on your walking ability.
Under the National Blue Badge Scheme, following consideration of all information collected, the final decision to award or refuse a badge rests with the Local Authority. There is no right of appeal under the National Scheme. However, in Walsall, if you disagree with the decision you may write to the Blue Badge team at First Stop Shop, Walsall Council, Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1EU and ask for a review of your application.
Under the National Blue Badge Scheme, you will not qualify for a badge if:
- You don’t have a severe/permanent walking disability.
- You are under two years of age.
- You have an intermittent or temporary disability.
- We treat all applications for Blue Badges as new-having a Blue Badge already doesn’t automatically entitle you to new permit.
- We aim to process your application within seven working days of receiving a completed application. Please note that if we need you to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment to confirm your eligibility for a Blue Badge, we cannot process your application until we have this information.
- Delays are most common when proof of eligibility, or recent photographs are not sent with the application, so please remember to enclose these where necessary. Please also remember to sign your application form.
- We will ‘fast-track’ applications for cancer patients and terminally ill customers, but you will need to tell us your circumstances.
- If your application is approved, your Blue Parking Badge will be sent out in the post and cannot be collected from the First Stop Shop.

Is there a charge for a Blue Badge?

Yes, currently the charge is £2.00.

Do I still need to supply two photographs with my application form?

No, only one photograph is required for your badge.

I have applied for a badge and have yet to receive anything. What is happening?

The Blue Badge Team will be happy to check the status of your application. Please call 01922 653560 or visit the First Stop Shop.

Please note when your application is due for renewal and you have applied in advance, your new badge will be sent to you approximately one week before your old badge expires.

I have lost my disabled badge. What do I do to get a replacement?

Report this immediately to the police to obtain a crime report number if it is stolen, or a lost property number if you have mislaid it. When you have this information contact the Blue Badge Team.

Will I automatically receive a new badge when my current one expires?

Badges normally last for three years and must be renewed. We do not send reminders to existing badge holders.

If I leave Walsall and move to another address in the UK what do I need to do?

Your current badge is still valid. When your badge is due to expire, you will need to make an application to your new Local Authority.

What evidence do I need to provide?

If registered totally blind under the National Assistance Act 1948, we require the name of the Local Authority under which you are registered.

If in receipt of a qualifying allowance, a photocopy of an official letter confirming an award of the allowance is required, or a vehicle excise duty exemption certificate.

If in a motability scheme, we require a photocopy of the lease you signed with the company you obtain your car from.

If a war pensions mobility supplement, we require an official letter confirming the award.

Is my badge transferable between vehicles?

Yes. Badges are issued to individuals not vehicles.

Can I use the badge even though it has expired?

No, it is illegal to use an expired badge.

I do not drive; will I still be entitled to a badge?

Yes, the badge is issued to people with mobility problems and it allows them to travel in cars belonging to relatives and friends.

I have two cars; will I be able to have two badges?

No. Only one badge per person can be issued. In any case badges should not be permanently left inside cars. The badge should only be displayed when using parking concessions.

If I change my car can I still use the badge?

Yes, you can still use the badge. You can use the badge in whatever vehicle you travel in either as a driver or a passenger.

Is misuse of a Blue Badge a serious offence?

Your badge can be withdrawn if you misuse it or allow others to misuse it.

It is a ciminal offence for non-disabled people to use a badge, if they do so they are liable to a fine of up to £1,000.

It is a criminal offence to drive a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge unless the badge holder is in the vehicle.

The details on my current badge have faded. What can I do?

You must return the badge to the issuing authority for re-printing.

If I run a home for the elderly, can I have a badge?

Forms to apply for an Institute Badge for a residential home or day care centre are available from the Blue Badge Team at:

First Stop Shop
Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
WS1 1EU

Telephone 01922 653560
Email bluebadges@walsall.gov.uk

How do I get a disability parking badge (blue badge)?

You can request a Blue Badge application form, report a badge as lost/stolen, report the misuse of a badge (confidentially) or make a general enquiry via our online Blue Badge form.

Alternatively you can contact the Blue Badge Team at the First Stop Shop.

First Stop Shop
Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
WS1 1EU

Telephone 01922 653560
Email bluebadges@walsall.gov.uk

For further information about the Blue Badge Scheme contact the Department for Transport at www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/bluebadge/