The blue badge scheme is a UK-wide programme that supports those with a disability to lead independent lives. The badge provides parking concessions for on-street parking, allowing badge holders to park close to where they need to go. Blue Badges are issued to those who qualify due to permanent and substantial physical or cognitive impairments. Blue Badges are issued to individuals rather than vehicles to help holders travel independently, as either a driver or a passenger.
Transport Scotland is responsible for setting out the framework for the scheme and supports local authorities to deliver it.
If you have any questions about the scheme or wish to apply for a Blue Badge we recommend you read over our frequently asked questions.
How to apply
Blue badge applications should be made online. You can grant permission for another individual to apply on your behalf, for example a support worker, friend or family member. Correspondence can go directly to you or your preferred point of contact.
Paper applications
If you would prefer to complete a paper application you can request one by calling our Customer Contact Centre on 03000 200 292.
Telephone Appointments
If you require dedicated support from us to apply, we can offer a telephone appointment where someone will support you with your application. You can book one of these appointments by phoning our Customer Contact Centre on 03000 200 292. British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us direct by using Contact SCOTLAND-BSL. Alternatively, you can use the Next Generation Text Service also known as Text Relay by dialling 18001 + the required telephone number listed above.
Cost
Payment is taken at the time of application and the cost is £20 to process a new application or renewal. There are no other charges.
If your application is declined you will be refunded via the original payment method.
Supporting Documents
You must provide adequate evidence with your application to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements to be issued with a Blue Badge.
All applicants will need to supply the following:
- Proof of identify (passport, driving licence, birth or marriage certificate).
- Proof of address (council tax bill or utility bill from the last 12 months).
- A recent digital photo (or a photo that can be scanned and uploaded) clearly showing your head and shoulders.
- National insurance number.
- Any proof of receipt of benefit or evidence you wish to submit in support of your application. See the table below for more details.
- Please note we are unable to contact GP's and other professionals to confirm your eligibility due to data protection.
| Eligibility criteria | Supporting documents required |
|---|---|
| Registered Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) | Certificate of Visual Impairment (or confirm you are registered with NESS) |
| Higher rate mobility – Disability Living Allowance | Letter of entitlement dated within the last 12 months |
| Personal Independence Payments and have been awarded 8 points or more in the Moving Around category or awarded 12 points in the Planning and Following Journeys category | Letter of entitlement dated within the last 12 months |
| War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement | Letter of entitlement |
| Armed Forces and Reserved Forces (Compensation) Scheme | Letter of entitlement |
| Terminal illness | DS1500 form if you have received it or confirm the name of your healthcare professional |
| Walking difficulties | Medical letters or hospital discharge paperwork which confirms diagnosis, copies of prescriptions, supporting letters from other allied health professionals such as physiotherapist or Occupational therapists, copies of reports from consultants, specialist nurses etc. |
| You are applying on behalf of a child under 3 who needs to be close to a vehicle | Letter signed by allied health professional, GP, or Consultant stating diagnosis, size and type of equipment required, when and where equipment needs to be used or why the child needs quick access to a carDetails |
| Cognitive impairment | Risk in traffic form must be completed |
| Higher Rate Mobility – Child Disability Payment | Certificate of entitlement from the Scottish Social Security Agency dated within the last 12 months |
In receipt of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment and have been awarded either:
| Certificate of entitlement from the Scottish Social Security Agency dated within the last 12 months |
Please note that being in receipt of Attendance Allowance does not automatically qualify you for a Blue Badge.
Eligibility Criteria for Cognitive Impairments
People who pose a risk to themselves or others in traffic due to cognitive impairments can apply for a Blue Badge, provided they meet the following criteria:
- has a mental disorder within the meaning in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003,
- receives specified social security benefits at specified rates, and
- lacks awareness of danger from traffic, which is likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others, as a result.
We cannot accept applications under this criterion without a completed risk in traffic form, which must be completed by a healthcare, social work or teaching professional who has seen you over the past 12 months and is not your GP. This can be submitted as part of your online application or emailed directly to customerapplications@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Renewals
Blue Badges are valid for a maximum of three years and are not renewed automatically. You will need to reapply in advance of expiry and your eligibility will be checked during renewal to ensure you are still entitled to a Blue Badge. We recommend applying for a new Blue Badge 20 weeks before your existing badge expires. It is an offence to use an expired badge.
If you are a current blue badge holder and are reapplying under the same criteria you can use our blue badge renewals form.
When will you get your Blue Badge
If you qualify for a Blue Badge without further assessment and you have provided all the information required, you should get your badge in approximately 10 working days from the date we receive your payment.
If you need an assessment to establish your eligibility your application will be passed onto the Independent Mobility Assessor. There is currently a 16 week waiting list for a desktop assessment.
If after desktop assessment your application requires a face to face assessment you will be contacted by the Independent Mobility Assessor. Due to current volumes it can take up to 23 weeks for a face to face assessment to be undertaken.
Support with your application
We have created this video to help you with your blue badge application.
BSL blue badge renewal
Low Emission Zone
Please note that blue badge holders are exempt from all Scottish Low Emission Zones. Blue Badge holders who require exemptions can now register their details so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access all the Scottish Low Emission Zones.