The Blue Badge Scheme is the national scheme for people who have severe mobility problems, registered blind, or with non-visible (hidden) conditions. It allows them to park near to places that they would not otherwise be able to access.
Where can I park?
This may include access to specific spaces in car parks and being allowed to park free of charge in some pay and display car parks. Or you may be able to park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, as long as it is safe to do so and does not cause an obstruction.
It is important to check the information displayed in each car park to know if charges apply. For more information on where you can park with a Blue Badge visit parking for people with disabilities.
The misuse of a Blue Badge and obtaining a Blue Badge by fraudulent means are very serious criminal offences.
You must apply for a Blue Badge online
There is no longer a postal option. This includes renewal applications, as well as new applications. This means the process is quicker, simpler and can be done in one transaction. That includes uploading your photograph and documents and paying the £10 fee online through our free, secure online payment service.
Before you apply you will need:
- A recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders (which you will upload)
- A photo or scan of your proof of identity (i.e passport or driving licence)
- Proof of your address (i.e a bill less than twelve months old)
- Proof of benefits (if you receive any)
- If you are applying for a Blue Badge on the basis of a non- visible (hidden) condition, you will need to provide supporting medical documentation from a specialist medical professional treating you
Please note that your documents and photo do not need to be uploaded at the time of your online application. You can complete your online application and post them later. We will contact you and advise how you can send them to us once we have received your online application.
If you don’t have access to a computer or smart device to complete the online form, please ask family members, or friends if they can help you.
Alternatively, you can use the public access computers at Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Halesowen Libraries.
If you are not able to use a computer and have no family or friends that can help you, please contact Dudley Council Plus or email bluebadge@dudley.gov.uk.
How much does a Blue Badge cost?
A blue badge costs £10 and is valid for a maximum of 3 years.
We are only able to issue Blue Badges to permanent residents of the borough. If you live in a different borough, you must contact your local council for information about how to apply for a Blue Badge. Badges are issued in accordance with the guidelines and regulations provided by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Once you apply online, if you meet the automatic eligibility criteria and provide all of the documentation and make the payment online, you can expect to receive your Blue Badge within 28 days.
If you don’t meet the automatic eligibility criteria (this will be clear online), you may then need to have an assessment from an independent mobility assessor (this will not be the case for non-visible (hidden) conditions). These assessments take place at Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre. We will contact you to arrange this.
Please note due to the high demand the current waiting time for an assessment is up to 12 weeks, although we are working to reduce this.
Warning - bogus Blue Badge websites
Be aware that there are some websites that offer a blue badge application service for a fee. These sites are charging up to £50 to submit an application on your behalf.
Be advised:
- The maximum fee chargeable for a blue badge is £10 and is only payable by people who are issued a blue badge
- Only use official local authority websites or the Department for Transport website
- Ensure that you are using a genuine local authority or government website to apply for a Blue Badge. There is no cost to submit an application
- Submit your application in good time. The current processing time is up to 8 weeks
- Do not submit applications until there is less than 12 weeks remaining on them
Blue Badge misuse and enforcement
The misuse of a Blue Badge and obtaining a Blue Badge by fraudulent means are very serious criminal offences.
- A person found to be benefiting from a Blue Badge not issued to them could be prosecuted. This could mean they would have a criminal record and be fined up to £1000
- A person obtaining a Blue Badge by fraudulent means, such as providing false information when applying, could be prosecuted. This could mean they would have a criminal record and be fined up to £5000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months
Dudley Blue Badge Enforcement Project
Our Parking Enforcement teams are carrying out a joint project with the Blue Badge team. This is an on-street project completing spot checks on Blue Badges being displayed in vehicles when parked.
If you are using a Blue Badge you may be asked to show your Blue Badge to a:
- Parking Enforcement Officer
- Uniformed member of the Blue Badge Team
- Or you may receive a telephone call to confirm your whereabouts while your Blue Badge is on display
We would like to thank those who have already complied with requests to inspect badges and those who have received telephone calls from us. The response from genuine Blue Badge holders has been very positive. By addressing the misuse of Blue Badges we are maintaining the integrity of the scheme and making sure that those who need it are able to benefit from the scheme.
The results of this project will be considered when future Blue Badge enforcement policies and projects are made.
Watch this space for further developments in addressing Blue Badge misuse.
Non-visible (hidden) conditions Blue Badge criteria
Due to the nature of non-visible (hidden) conditions, applications will be assessed by looking at an applicant’s needs. Please note that having a certain condition or disability does not automatically entitle someone to a Blue Badge.
An applicant will be automatically eligible under if, in their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mobility assessment they scored 10 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’. Specifically the 10 points which states:
“cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant.”
If the applicant does not score this, they can still apply and their application will be assessed.
This is the only basis on which an automatic eligibility is granted. There are no other automatic eligibility criteria.
Further information
Visit our eligibility section and frequently asked questions for more details on the Blue Badge scheme.