Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

A Blue Badge is a disabled parking permit that helps people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination.

You can apply for a new Blue Badge or renew an existing one online if you have a physical or non-visible disability that meets the eligibility criteria.

On this page:

Who can apply for a Blue Badge

Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including any benefits you receive or how your disability or health condition affects you.

Some people automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. Others may need further assessment.

You can check if you are eligible for a Blue Badge on GOV.UK.

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

You can apply for a new Blue Badge or renew an existing badge online through GOV.UK.

A Blue Badge costs £10. You should use the official application service, as other websites may charge additional fees.

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

If you cannot apply online

You can ask a family member or someone you trust to help you apply.

If you need further support, you can request a paper application form or get help with your application.

You can also get help with your application at our customer services drop-in centre.

What you need to apply

You will need a recent digital passport-style photograph showing your head and shoulders.

You will also need to provide:

  • proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence
  • proof of address, such as a Council Tax bill
  • proof of benefits, if you receive any
  • evidence of your disability or health condition, if required
  • your National Insurance number, if you have one

If you are renewing your badge, you will also need details of your current Blue Badge.

You can save your online application and return to it later.

How long your application takes

We aim to review applications within five working days of submission.

The £10 fee is payable when you submit your application. We will refund this if your application is unsuccessful.

If your application is approved, you should receive your badge within 12 working days. More complex applications may take up to six weeks.

If we need further information, our Blue Badge team will contact you.

If your application is unsuccessful, you can find out how to appeal a Blue Badge decision.

Check the progress of your application

If you would like an update on your application:

Renewing your Blue Badge

You should apply to renew your Blue Badge about eight weeks before it expires. This helps ensure you receive your new badge in time.

Blue Badges are not renewed automatically. You must complete a new application when your badge is due to expire.

If you have moved outside the borough of Swindon, you must apply through the council where you now live.

Change your Blue Badge address

If you have moved house, you need to let us know so we can update your Blue Badge details.

If you have moved outside Swindon, you can continue using your existing badge until it expires. You will need to renew it through the council where you now live.

Using your Blue Badge

  • You can only hold one valid Blue Badge at a time
  • You must not allow anyone else to misuse your badge
  • Your Blue Badge can be used across the UK until it expires
  • Parking rules may vary when using your badge outside the UK

Read the Blue Badge rights and responsibilities guidance on GOV.UK.

If your badge is lost, stolen or damaged, find out how to request a replacement Blue Badge.

Give feedback about this page

Help us to improve this website

Use this form to provide feedback on this webpage. Don't use it to contact us about a service or make a complaint. We will not reply, even if you include personal details such as your name and address. If you want us to reply, you should contact us in a different way.

What is your feedback for this webpage?