A Blue Badge usually lasts up to 3 years, and GOV.UK says you must reapply before your current one expires. Councils usually decide within 12 weeks, and in Scotland mygov.scot says to reapply at least 12 weeks before the expiry date if you still need a badge. This guide covers when to start, what you need and how renewal differs in each nation.
Key points
✓You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires.
✓Councils usually decide within 12 weeks, and in Scotland you should reapply at least 12 weeks before the expiry date if you still need a badge.
✓On GOV.UK you reapply with a recent digital photo, proof of identity, proof of address, proof of benefits if you get any, your National Insurance number and your current badge details.
✓The fees on the official apply or renew pages are up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, free in Wales and £10 in Northern Ireland.
✓In Northern Ireland the section B proof of benefit documents only apply to renewals where the reference on your renewal letter or email does not end NFR.
When to start your renewal
Check the expiry date on your badge and allow for how long the decision takes where you live.
GOV.UK, which covers England, Scotland and Wales, says councils will usually make a decision within 12 weeks.
Scotland: mygov.scot says most councils take around 12 weeks to make a decision but it can take longer, and to reapply at least 12 weeks before the expiry date if you still need a badge.
Wales: GOV.WALES says it can take up to 12 weeks to process an application and that you should consider this to make sure you are not without a Blue Badge.
Northern Ireland: nidirect says you should be told the outcome within six to eight weeks, and it may take longer if more information is needed, such as a referral to your GP.
GOV.UK says you must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires. The badge regulations for England, Scotland and Wales say a badge must be returned to the issuing authority immediately when the period it was issued for ends. In England, the Department for Transport's guidance for councils lists what could happen to a holder who uses an expired badge: prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction, or a Penalty Charge Notice for the parking contravention where the council has civil parking enforcement powers.
How renewal works
The GOV.UK service that checks your eligibility and takes applications for a Blue Badge can also be used to reapply. On GOV.UK you will need:
A recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
A photo or scan of your proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence
A photo or scan of your proof of address, such as a Council Tax bill or government letter
A photo or scan of your proof of benefits, if you get any
Your National Insurance number, if you have one, and the details of your current Blue Badge
GOV.WALES says Blue Badges are not renewed automatically and your eligibility will be checked again. In Wales you can apply or reapply on GOV.UK, or contact your local authority.
mygov.scot says a Blue Badge in Scotland does not automatically renew, and that you can ask your local council for a paper form if you prefer.
In Northern Ireland you can apply for or renew a Blue Badge online or by post. If you are renewing by post and your renewal letter or email has a reference number ending NFR, nidirect says to download the application form for renewals. If the reference number does not end NFR, nidirect says to download the application form for new applications and guidance notes.
Individual applicants in Northern Ireland must send one recent photograph. The section B proof of benefit documents only apply to new applicants, and to renewals where your renewal letter or email reference does not end NFR.
How renewing differs by nation
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Where to reapply
GOV.UK
GOV.UK, or ask your council for a paper form
GOV.UK, or contact your local authority
nidirect, online or by post
What the official page says
You must reapply before your current one expires
It does not automatically renew
Not renewed automatically, and your eligibility will be checked again
You can apply for or renew online or by post
How long the decision takes
Usually within 12 weeks
Around 12 weeks, can take longer
Up to 12 weeks to process
Six to eight weeks, longer if more information is needed
Here is what the official sources say about common changes:
More serious mobility problems: GOV.UK says you can reapply if your mobility problems become more serious.
A change of council area: section 21(2) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 says a badge may be issued to a disabled person of a prescribed description resident in the area of the issuing authority, and that applies in England, Wales and Scotland. In England, the Department for Transport's guidance for councils says it is important that the issuing authority carries out checks at the application stage to ensure, as far as possible, that people are resident in its area.
A change to your benefit: if you get a benefit, GOV.UK asks for a photo or scan of your proof of benefits. In England, the Department for Transport's guidance for councils says that if someone who gets the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance is reassessed by DWP and does not score 8 points or more under the moving around activity of PIP, or 10 points specifically for descriptor E of the planning and following journeys activity, legislation requires that they are allowed to keep their current badge until it expires.
GOV.UK says that if your application is refused, your council should tell you why you are not eligible. You can ask it to reconsider your case if you do not think all the important information you provided was taken into account. In Wales, GOV.WALES says you can ask for a review, and the letter from your local authority explains how. In Northern Ireland, nidirect says you will be told in writing of the reason, your fee will be refunded and you can ask to have your application reassessed. See our how to apply guide for what happens after a refusal.
The cost
GOV.UK's apply or renew page says a Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, and is free in Wales. nidirect's apply or renew page gives the fee for Northern Ireland as £10.
England: up to £10
Scotland: £20 (mygov.scot says most councils in Scotland charge this)
Wales: free
Northern Ireland: £10 (through nidirect)
On GOV.UK, how you pay depends on your local council. In Northern Ireland, nidirect says online applicants must pay by credit or debit card.
GOV.UK says you must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires. mygov.scot says a Blue Badge in Scotland does not automatically renew, and GOV.WALES says Blue Badges are not renewed automatically and your eligibility will be checked again.
When should I renew my Blue Badge?
GOV.UK says you must reapply before your current badge expires, and that councils will usually make a decision within 12 weeks. In Scotland, mygov.scot says to reapply at least 12 weeks before the expiry date if you still need a badge. In Northern Ireland, nidirect says you should be told the outcome within six to eight weeks.
Do I have to pay again to renew my Blue Badge?
It depends where you live. GOV.UK's apply or renew page says a Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, and is free in Wales. nidirect's apply or renew page gives the fee for Northern Ireland as £10.
Can my Blue Badge renewal be refused?
GOV.UK's page for applying or renewing says that if your application is refused, your council should tell you why you are not eligible. You can ask it to reconsider your case if you do not think all the important information you provided was taken into account, and you can reapply if your mobility problems become more serious. In Northern Ireland, nidirect says you will be told in writing of the reason, your fee will be refunded and you can ask to have your application reassessed.
Know Your Rights UK. "Blue Badge Renewal: How to Renew Online Before It Expires." Know Your Rights UK, https://www.knowyourrightsuk.com/benefits/blue-badge/renewal