Blue Badge Renewal Guide

When a Blue Badge is provided to an individual this does not left forever, each badge has an expiry date. Unlike many schemes the Blue Badge does not automatically renew and therefore it is down to the badge holder to reapply for the badge. Different local authorities have different systems in place but in general the renewal process is very similar. In most cases when a Blue Badge is provided to an individual the length of time it will be valid for will be three years. In cases where a Blue Badge is provided due to temporary payments form the DLA or because the applicant is in receipt of a war pension the Blue Badge will terminate at the same time as the payments that are being made.

In most cases to reapply for the Blue Bade the usual application form will have to be completed. On the application form there is a choice that can be selected which states that this is a reapplication rather than a new application. Although this is a reapplication the process is the same application as a new application. Due to this the applicant will have to provide supporting documents despite the fact that this has been completed on the initial application process.

Supporting documents will be required to prove the address and identity of the applicant. These supporting documents must be dated within the past three months and will be required before an application can be processed. For proof of address the documents that can be used include a utility bill, credit card statement, bank or building society statement or a benefit entitlement. For proof of identity the documents which are allowed include a birth certificate, adoption certificate, medical card, passport or new style driving license.

In some cases the applicant will be automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, having a badge previously does not provide this guarantee. Automatic eligibility include applicants who are registered blind, those receiving higher rate mobility from the DLA, individuals who are severely disable personnel or veteran and those applicants who have been given a Doctors Report under Special Rules.

Those who are not automatically eligible for a Blue Badge will be required to have assessed eligibility. Regardless of the reason for the Blue Badge being provided there will have to be supporting documents provided; failure to provide the documents with the original application is likely to result in the turn around time extending.

Most applications are assessed within twenty eight days if all of the supporting documents are provided and if these are of a satisfactory nature. The maximum fee that can be charged for a Blue Badge at present is 2. From the January 2012 this maximum will change to 10, this will ensure that less Blue Badges are forged.