What is a Blue Badge renewal letter?
Blue Badges last up to three years. When your badge is nearing expiry, your local council will usually send a renewal reminder. You need to reapply — renewal is not automatic and your eligibility will be reassessed.
Automatic eligibility
Some people qualify automatically without needing further assessment. This includes people who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), who score 8 points or more in the PIP moving around activity, or who are registered blind.
Non-automatic eligibility
If you do not qualify automatically, your council will assess whether you have a permanent and substantial disability that means you cannot walk, or have very considerable difficulty walking. Gather supporting evidence before you apply — letters from your GP, specialist, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist all strengthen your application.
Our guides on care plan letters and outpatient clinic letters can help you understand what your medical letters say so you can present them effectively in your application.
If your application is refused
You have the right to ask your council to review the decision. If the review upholds the refusal, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Disability charities and Citizens Advice can provide free help with appeals.