Council and democracy

Blue Badge frequently asked questions

Can I have a temporary Badge if I am a visitor from overseas?
There is no provision for temporary Blue Badges. Blue Badges are only issued to people who are unable to walk due to a permanent and substantial disability. However if you have an equivalent badge from a disabled parking scheme in your own country, then it is possible to ask the police to give you a permit to cover the period you are in this country. You would need to bring proof to show the local traffic police when requesting this.

What do I do if my Blue Badge has faded?
If your Badge has faded or is damaged, you need to send it back to the Blue Badge office:
Hertfordshire County Council
Adult Care Services Department
Blue Badge Section
PO Box 153
Stevenage
SG1 2GH
A replacement will be sent out to you. There is no charge for this re-issue.

Do I have to send original letters or certificates as proof that I receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance?
Please send photocopies only, NOT original documents.

I am registered partially sighted. Will I automatically qualify for a Blue Badge?
No. A registration as partially sighted does not automatically qualify you for a Blue Badge. Only a blind registration gives automatic entitlement.

I receive Higher Rate Attendance Allowance. Will this also entitle me to a Blue Badge automatically?
No. Only being in receipt of the Higher Rate of the Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance gives automatic entitlement to a Badge.

I have a car through ‘Motability’ how should I answer questions 3 and 4 of Part B on the application form?
Questions 3 and 4 do not relate to High Rate Mobility Allowance or Motability Contracts.

I receive a War Pension. Will this make the Badge automatic?
Only War Pensioners’ mobility supplement gives automatic entitlement. A photocopy of proof will be required with your application.

It is not possible to provide a passport-sized photograph. What should I do?
We can accept other photographs as long as we can ‘cut’ the applicant out of the photograph. We cannot accept photographs full face if the photograph is 6 inches x 4 inches as it is impossible to reduce to 2 inches x 2 inches.

I have relatives coming to stay for a holiday from Canada/Australia with a wheelchair. Can they have a temporary badge?
No. There are no temporary badges issued. See answer to question one.

Can I sign the application form on behalf of my wife/husband/son/daughter? Yes. The application form can be signed on behalf of the applicant, by a designated member of the family or a friend.

Can I use my Blue Badge when I go to Europe and other countries?
Yes. There are reciprocal arrangements with other EU Member States. For further information and a booklet please contact the Blue Badge Section. If you are travelling to Canada, America or other countries please see the Department of Transport Local Government Regions web site.

Can I have a Blue Badge for my baby?
Blue badges may only be issued for children under two whose condition requires that they be accompanied by bulky medical equipment or who must always be kept near a car. For full details select the external link on the right called 'Department for Transport Blue Badge Scheme'.

The badgeholder recently died. What should I do with their Badge?
Please return the badge to the Blue Badge Section. A letter is not necessary but we do need a note of the date of death so that we can amend the records. You may keep the photograph if you wish.

I have lost my Badge. Is it necessary to reapply?
No. If you have lost your Badge you must report it as lost/stolen to the Police (even if it has been lost at home). The Police will supply a lost property/crime number. Please then telephone the Blue Badge office (01438 737400 or from area codes 01923 and 0208 use 01923 471400) with the Police report number and providing the office have a second photograph a duplicate Badge will be issued. Unless there is a police crime number there will be a £5 charge for a replacement badge.

Can I have 2 Badges?
No. Under Department of Transport legislation only 1 Badge is issued per person for their personal use.

I don’t drive, can I still apply for a Blue Badge?
Yes. You do not have to be a car driver to qualify for a Disabled Parking Badge.

Where can I find out about the London Congestion Charge?
You can get lots of information about the London Congestion Charge by selecting the link called 'Transport for London - congestion charging' (on the right of this page)

I need a Disabled Parking Bay outside my house. How do I get one?
If you have a Blue Badge, you are eligible to have a Disabled Parking Bay. Contact your local Area/Partnership Highways Office - select the link called Contact Us.