Millions of Blue Badge holders can keep their permits valid beyond the expiry date and avoid a potential £1,000 fine by renewing early. The UK Government has reported that 90% of all Blue Badge applications are now submitted online.
Renew 12 weeks ahead
Holders are advised to renew 12 weeks before the expiry date. Failing to renew before the badge expires and continuing to display it can lead to a £1,000 penalty. Showing an expired Blue Badge counts as 'misuse', which is a criminal offence and can result in the badge being seized along with a fine.
However, renewal can be completed much earlier than required. The start date of the new badge is automatically set for the day after the current badge expires. This means that even if a holder forgets closer to the deadline, the badge remains legitimate.
Online process and email confirmation
After completing the online renewal process - which requires submitting details from the existing Blue Badge, personal information and eligibility requirements - an email notification confirms the application outcome. If successful, the email includes instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to the local council. In England the charge is £10, in Scotland it is £20, and it is free in Wales.
Once payment is made, an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirms the Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days. The email also includes the name of the local authority issuing the badge, the badge number, and the badge start and expiry dates.
Eligibility reassessed
Eligibility for a Blue Badge is reassessed with each renewal application. The qualifying criteria were broadened in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy, helping more people park closer to their destinations whether travelling as a driver or passenger.
