Guidance for Blue Badge

Guidance on applying for, using, and replacing a Blue Badge in Staffordshire - including eligibility, documents, costs, and contact details.

Last updated: 18th December

Who can get a Blue Badge

You could qualify in two ways:

  • Automatically without assessment - if you already receive certain benefits
  • After an assessment - if you have certain medical conditions

Check the full criteria before you apply. 

What you’ll need to apply

Have these ready before you start your online form:

  • Proof of address (from the last 12 months) and proof of identity
  • A passport‑style digital photo
  • Evidence for your eligibility (for example PIP letter showing mobility scores, DLA, Certificate of Visual Impairment, Armed Forces awards)
  • A debit or credit card to pay the fee (see Costs)
    Detailed list and examples are on our Supporting documents page. 

Apply or renew

Costs

A Blue Badge (including a replacement for lost or stolen) costs £10.

What happens next (timelines)

  • Renewals are usually processed in about 4 weeks once we have your documents.
  • New applications can take up to 8 weeks after you’ve sent all documents. If you need a mobility assessment, it can take up to 12 weeks. We’ll contact you if we need more information.

We always aim to process applications as quickly as possible, but times can vary during busy periods.

Using your Blue Badge

  • Display your badge so it can be read through the windscreen (front upwards showing the hologram). Use the parking clock when you park where there’s a time limit.
  • You can usually park:
    • on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (not where there are loading restrictions)
    • at on‑street pay and display without paying, for as long as you need
    • in on‑street disabled bays (check the signs for any time limit)
  • Always check local signs. Off‑street car parks can set their own rules.
  • Read more about your rights and responsibilities 

Moving to Staffordshire with an existing Blue Badge

If you already have a Blue Badge and move to Staffordshire, you can continue to use your existing Blue Badge until the expiry date stated. You will need to contact the authority that issued the badge and also Staffordshire County Council to provide an address update. Please send a photo of proof of Staffordshire residence via email to blue.badges@staffordshire.gov.uk

Before the badge expires you can apply for a renewal badge with Staffordshire in the usual way online.

Using your blue badge abroad

You can use your UK Blue Badge when travelling in some EU countries.

Check which countries accept a UK Blue Badge

There are no current arrangements for you to use the badge outside the European Union, in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, although they may be prepared to recognise the Blue Badge. We advise you to check what concessions are available before travelling to non-EU countries.

How long is a Blue Badge valid for?

Blue Badges are generally issued for a period of 3 years. However, if you apply and are eligible under a criterion such as PIP, the badge will be issued in line with the award end date, up to a maximum of 3 years.

If your badge is lost, stolen or damaged

Apply for a replacement. The fee is £10. For security, we post replacements to the address on the original record.

If your badge has expired or you no longer need it

Please cut it up and return it to: Customer Services, 1 Staffordshire Place, Stafford, ST16 2LP. 

Report Blue Badge misuse

If you suspect misuse (for example using an expired badge or using someone else’s badge without them present), email the Blue Badge team with the details. 

Contact us