Blue Badge scheme

The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. Having a Blue Badge helps you park closer to where you need to go.

Apply for a Blue Badge

Apply for a Blue Badge online
Email us for a paper form - bluebadgeteam@kent.gov.uk

If you live in Medway, Bromley or Bexley, please visit their websites as they run their own schemes.

After applying online

You’ll receive an email with:

A reference number
A list of the documents and payment you need to send.

Please print the email and send it to us with your documents and payment.

If you can’t print the email please enclose a letter with the reference number on when you send your documents and payment.

Please allow at least 8 weeks for us to process your application.

We will send your form back to you if it isn't fully completed or you haven't sent us the proper documents.

Applying on someone’s behalf

If you are completing the form on someone else's behalf, you may sign it for them. Please put your relationship to the applicant in the relevant boxes on the form.

What to send with your Blue Badge application

With your form you must send:

1 recent passport size photograph
a cheque for £10 made payable to Kent County Council
a copy of a document that confirms your address. This must be dated within the last 12 months (please see the application form for more information)
a copy of a document that proves your identity (please see the application form for more information).
If you automatically qualify because of a benefit you receive, you must include proof of that benefit.

If you do not have any of these, please email us at bluebadgeteam@kent.gov.uk. We will be happy to discuss this with you before you submit your application.

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Blue Badge eligibility

You can check online whether you’re eligible for a Blue Badge, or use our guide below.

You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if any of the below apply

You receive higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
You receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.
You receive armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award, tariffs 1-8 and have been assessed by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking.
You are registered as blind under the National Assistance Act 1948 (partially sighted people do not automatically qualify).

You may qualify for a Blue Badge if

You have a child under 3 years old and need to transport medical equipment or always be near a vehicle so they can be treated or driven to a place to receive treatment for a permanent illness.
You drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and can’t operate or have considerable difficulty operating parking meters.
Have a permanent and substantial disability which affects your mobility and means you have considerable difficulty in walking.

We will ask you to provide recent medical evidence to verify your level of disability. If we can’t make a decision based on your application, we may ask you to attend an Independent Mobility Assessment. This will be carried out by a qualified professional and is free. It is not a medical assessment and will assess your mobility specifically.

Hospice patients

If you are receiving treatment from a hospice, they should use their official stamp on the address section of the form so we can prioritise the application. Please contact your hospice for more information.

Blue Badges for organisations

If your organisation caters for people with severe mobility problems you can apply for a Blue Badge online.

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Renew your Blue Badge

You go through the same process when renewing as you would if applying for the first time. It takes at least 8 weeks to get your new badge. It is your responsibility to renew your Blue Badge.

Renew online
Email us at bluebadgeteam@kent.gov.uk for a paper copy of the individual application form

Please ensure you apply for a new Blue Badge at least 8 weeks before your old badge runs out but no more than 3 months.

Lost, stolen or replacement Blue Badges

All replacements cost £10.

If you lose your badge or it's stolen:

first report it to the police, who'll give you a crime or lost property number
then contact us for a replacement form by emailing bluebadgeteam@kent.gov.uk or calling 01622 605 020

You can also report a lost or stolen badge online but will still need a replacement form.

If your badge is faded or you've changed name contact us for a replacement form.

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Using your Blue Badge

Only you can use your Blue Badge and you are responsible for it.
Make sure it’s displayed properly so people can see it.
It is illegal to use your badge after the expiry date shown on it.
You may be fined up to £1000 or lose your badge if you don’t stick to the law. Find out more on the Department for Transport’s website.

Misuse of Blue Badges

If you see a badge being misused, please email the team at bluebadgeteam@kent.gov.uk, so that we can investigate. Please include the location, description of the driver, vehicle registration and badge number. We will deal with all information confidentially.

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