Parking Permits (Blue Badge Scheme)

What is the Blue Badge Scheme?

Blue parking badges allow cars carrying people who are registered blind or people who have severe walking difficulties to be parked near shops, stations and other facilities. It replaces the Orange Badge Scheme. Blue Badges are issued as existing badges come up for renewal, or as new applications are processed. Orange Badges will therefore continue to be recognised until they expire. The Blue Badge is recognised throughout Europe.

Who can get a Blue Badge?

You are eligible if:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
• you receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• you use a motor vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government health department
• 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
• you have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking. In this case we may ask you more questions to help us determine whether you are eligible for a badge.

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

Organisations who care for disabled people and meet the above criteria may qualify for a blue badge at our discretion. Please contact us for more details.

Can I use my Blue Badge in other countries/can visitors use their permits here?

Under a 1997 resolution, the European Union countries accept each other's disabled parking permits and those from Canada, USA, Australia and other associate EU members.

For more information see: "Disabled Parking Permits in Europe: The blue badge has different names - take it with you on trips."

Where can I find out more?

For more information about Blue Badges see the Directgov website or contact the National Association of Blue Badge Holders.

How can I apply?

Please download an application form below or contact us to request one. Use the contact details below to request or return any applications.

Blue Badge Administrator
Customer Service Centre
Town Hall, St Ives Road
Maidenhead
Berks SL6 1RF
Tel: 01628 683133

How long will it take?

The time taken to process an application varies, depending on what further information is required in order to check eligibility and whether we need to contact other people as part of the process.

Usually most applications are determined within 3 to 4 weeks. Where further clarification is required, the process may take 4 to 6 weeks.

Blue Badge Application / Renewal Forms

Use these forms to apply for or renew a Blue Badge Parking Permit. Please download the appropriate file, print, fill out and sign it before returning the completed form to the contact details shown above. If you cannot download the form then please contact the Blue Badge Administrator for a printed version to be mailed to you.

•   Blue Badge Application Form (pdf 44KB)

•   Blue Badge Renewal Form (pdf 27KB)

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