Blue badges

Check who can get a blue badge

A blue badge allows some disabled people to park closer to their destination, as they’re less able to walk long distances or take public transport.

You can apply:

  • for yourself
  • for someone else
  • as an organisation that works with disabled people

You can automatically qualify for a badge if you’re:

  • registered blind
  • terminally ill
  • already getting some types of disability benefits

If you have a physical, non-visible (hidden) or other disability that makes journeys very difficult you may qualify but might need an assessment.

Proof you need to provide

The more proof and information you add to your application, the stronger your case will be.

Organisations that work with disabled people

An organisation can apply for a blue badge (or multiple badges) if they do all of the following:

  • care for or assist people who qualify for a blue badge
  • transport people who need a blue badge
  • have a clear need for an organisational badge rather than using the individual badge of the people it is transporting

Organisations apply using the same gov.uk form as everyone else.

Apply for a blue badge

The application steps are:

  1. Check if you can apply
  2. Apply using the form on gov.uk
  3. The form will ask you to upload documents and a photo
  4. We process your application. This can take up to 12 weeks and may be less if you qualify automatically. If you do not qualify automatically then we may ask you to attend a mobility assessment at Hackney Service Centre
  5. Your badge will arrive in the post. If your application is refused, we will let you know with a letter

Before you start

To fill out the form, you will need:

  • your contact details
  • your email address (we send renewal reminders by email)
  • your National Insurance number (if you have one)
  • details of your current blue badge (if you have one)
  • your driving licence number (if you have one)

You will also be asked to upload a photo or scan of:

  • a recent passport-style photo, with no filters or editing
  • proof of identity (like a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
  • proof of address (like a council tax bill or driving licence)
  • proof of benefits (if you get any)
  • proof of terminal illness (if you have one), such as a DS1500 form or letter from a doctor
  • proof of your health or mobility problems (if you do not qualify automatically) 

You don’t need to pay anything when you apply for a badge in Hackney.

Apply

Apply for a blue badge

Get help with applying

You can get help with your blue badge application, including sending documents.

Renew a blue badge

When your badge is due to expire you will need to apply for a new one. You need to submit the renewal application 12 week before your current one expires.

When you reapply you will still need to supply proof that you meet the eligibility criteria, even if you’ve had a blue badge before.

Renew a blue badge

Using your blue badge

The blue badge must be displayed where it can be read clearly through the front windscreen.

It must only be displayed if you’re travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger.

You should not hold more than one badge at any given time or share your blue badge.

If you’re found guilty of misusing your badge you could be fined up to £1,000.

Where to park

The badge is for on-street parking only. Off-street car parks have separate rules and it’s up to the car park owner to decide whether badge holders can park free of charge. You must also check local signs.

With a blue badge you can:

  • park on-street for free and without time limit at both metered and ‘pay and display’ sites
  • park in designated disabled bays free and without time limit unless the sign states otherwise. If there’s a time limit, you must display your clock with your blue badge
  • park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours with both your blue badge and parking clock displayed. Always check local signs
  • use your blue badge in some European Union (EU) countries. Remember to check EU blue badge rules before you travel

Find out more about where you can park and when you should display the clock.

Where not to park

There are places where parking is not allowed. These include:

  • pedestrianised areas
  • bus or cycle lanes
  • pedestrian crossings
  • zigzag markings
  • suspended parking bays
  • loading bays

You must not park in a location where your vehicle could cause an obstruction or a danger to others.

Report someone misusing a badge

You can report misuse of a blue badge to us in confidence.

If you suspect someone of misusing a blue badge, you can:

We’ll need to know:

  • where the misuse occurred
  • when the use occurred
  • the blue badge number
  • any further details

Report a lost or stolen badge

If you don’t know where you lost your badge or think it may have been stolen you must let the police know by calling 101.

You’ll be given a lost property or crime reference number. If you know you lost your badge at home then you don’t need to let the police know.

You can then report the missing badge on gov.uk or email mobilityteam@hackney.gov.uk.

When requesting a replacement, you’ll need:

  • the lost property or crime reference number
  • proof of ID
  • proof of address
  • a written statement of the incident

If your lost or stolen blue badge was due to expire within the next 3 months you should reapply for a new badge instead of reporting it.

Get a companion e-badge

If you have a blue badge, you can apply for a companion e-badge.

A companion e-badge is an electronic permit you can use when parking near your home, instead of displaying your blue badge.

It reduces the risk of your blue badge being stolen from your vehicle.

Page updated on: 6 June 2023

Mobility Team

Address

Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY

Opening times

  • Mon to Fri: 9am - 5pm