Guides › Public Services › Blue Badge: Who Gets One Automatically and How to Apply
Blue Badge: Who Gets One Automatically and How to Apply
In England you are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you are 3 or over and get the higher rate mobility part of DLA, score 8 or more points for moving around on PIP, are registered blind, or score 10 points for planning journeys on PIP because of overwhelming psychological distress. Others, including some people with hidden conditions, may qualify, and the council decides. Apply on GOV.UK.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Who Can Get A Blue Badge
Automatic
Aged 3 or over and: higher rate mobility DLA; PIP with 8 or more points for moving around; registered blind; War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement; some Armed Forces Compensation awards; or PIP with 10 points for planning journeys (descriptor E) due to overwhelming psychological distress. source
May Be Eligible
People who cannot walk, need help or aids to walk, find walking very painful or breathless, or for whom walking is dangerous, and some hidden conditions such as extreme anxiety in public places. Your council decides. source
Applying
Apply on GOV.UK. You need proof of identity and address, a recent digital photo and your National Insurance number. The council may take 12 weeks or longer. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 12 weeksCouncil assessmentOr longer
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check whether you are automatically eligible.
Step 2 of 5
Gather ID, proof of address and a photo.
Step 3 of 5
Apply on GOV.UK.
Step 4 of 5
Send evidence about walking or hidden conditions.
Step 5 of 5
Ask your council to review a refusal.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Local Council
Decides Blue Badge applications.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own Blue Badge guidance.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge Checked 16 October 2026