Millions of disabled individuals are able to access crucial parking concessions thanks to the Blue Badge scheme. This allows them to park closer to their destinations, including in spaces reserved for disabled people and sometimes even on double yellow lines.

As of March 31, 2023, there were 2.57 million Blue Badges in circulation across England. This is a rise of 5.7% from the previous year, meaning that 4.6% of the population now hold one of these parking permits.

However, some may not be aware that these Blue Badges have an expiry date. They're only valid for three years, after which they need to be renewed and they don't automatically extend.

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Badge holders must reapply to keep enjoying the benefits offered by the scheme. If you continue to use an expired permit, you could face a hefty fine of £1,000 for "misusing" the badge.

Between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, a total of 1.14 million badges were issued, an increase of 101,000 badges (a 9.7% rise) from the previous year, reports . This includes both renewals and first-time applications.

However, this means that getting a Blue Badge, whether as a new applicant or for renewal, could involve a significant wait. The government has cautioned that an application can take up to 12 weeks to process. This applies to all applicants, whether they're new or existing badge holders.

If you're in England, Wales, or and need a new Blue Badge or have to renew one, you can apply online here. But if you're in Northern Ireland, it is done differently.

The official gov.uk site explains: "A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It's free in Wales. They usually last up to 3 years. You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires."

If you've had a Blue Badge before however it doesn't mean you'll automatically get another. Local councils run the schemes, many of which offer guidelines on eligibility and application procedures.

Gateshead Council is one of the local authorities which adminsters the Badges. It says: "To renew your Blue Badge you need to go through the same process as you would if applying for the first time. It is your responsibility to renew your Blue Badge.

"You are not automatically entitled to a new badge because you have had one in the past. Every application must be accompanied by the supporting evidence stated, whether a new application or renewal. This is a requirement set out by the Department for Transport."

You automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you are aged 3 or over and at least one of the following applies:

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the
• you receive a because you can’t walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component)
• you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• you have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• you receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

If you have any score other than 10 points under descriptor E, in the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity of PIP you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge, but you do not automatically qualify. This includes if you have a higher score of 12. You will have to provide evidence to demonstrate your eligibility which will be assessed as part of your application.

You may be eligible for a badge if one or more of the following applies:

• you cannot walk at all
• you cannot walk without help from someone else or using mobility aids
• you find walking very difficult due to pain, breathlessness or the time it takes
• walking is dangerous to your health and safety
• you have a life-limiting illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult and have a SR1 form
• you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but cannot operate pay-and-display parking machines
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
• you have a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
• you are constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
• you struggle severely to plan or follow a journey
• you find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
• you regularly have intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
• you frequently become extremely anxious or fearful of public/open spaces

Your local council will decide if you are eligible for a badge. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application. If they decide that you are not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again.

Age UK notes that Blue Badge holders can bypass some parking restrictions, allowing them to park:

• free of charge at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays
• on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, except where there's a ban on loading or unloading.

Some local councils put additional restrictions on Blue Badge holders. You should check with the local council in the area you’re parking in to find out what their rules are. The scheme doesn't apply in certain boroughs in London, which offer their own parking concessions.

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You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will also need a photo or scan of your:

• proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
• proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
• proof of benefits (if you get any)
• your National Insurance number (if you have one)
• the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)

Some councils allow you to apply or renew your Blue Badge on a paper form - contact your local council to check.