Roads, parking & transport Apply for a disabled parking permit (Blue Badge)

The aim of the Blue Badge Scheme is to help disabled people with severe mobility restrictions to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination, irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or a passenger. The scheme allows the blue badge holders to park, free of charge and without time limit at parking meters and in 'pay-and-display' on-street parking unless there is a restriction in force.  The blue badge normally lasts for three years.

Who can apply for a blue badge?

You must be a Manchester resident. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a badge automatically, or subject to further assessment.

Some people qualify for a badge under the "automatic" criteria:

• anyone with proof that they are receiving the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance
• anyone with proof that they receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and score between 8 and 12 points on the "Moving Around" descriptors within the Mobility component.
• an individual with proof that they are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• those in receipt of a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
• Service personnel and veteran with proof that they are in receipt of a lump sum benefit under tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and certification of having a permanent and substantial mobility difficulty.

Some people may qualify "subject to further assessment":

• People over the age of 3 who suffer from a permanent and substantial disability and are unable to walk or can only do so with severe pain and discomfort.
• People who have a severe disability in both arms, drive regularly but find it difficult to use a parking meter.
• Children under three with a specific medical condition requiring them to be near, or travel with heavy medical equipment.

How can I apply for a new blue badge or renew the one I already have? 

The same process applies for new applications and for replacement badges.

There are various ways you can get help to complete your application online. 

'Old style' badges will continue to be valid until the expiry date - there is no need to renew early.

There are specific procedures to follow if you lose your badge, or it is stolen.

The online form will not allow you to upload documents - these must be sent to the Blue Badge Service:

Blue Badge Parking Scheme
Victoria Mill,
Lower Vickers St,
Manchester,
M40 7LH

After you have completed the form you will be given a confirmation page. This will tell you:

• Your Tracking Number - note this down exactly as it is written.
• What documents you need to send in by post to the Blue Badge Office

You will be asked for some personal details to help your local authority deal quickly with your application. It will also help prevent fraud. This will include:

• your National Insurance Number or Child Reference Number for applicants under 16 yrs old (which can be found on your Child Benefit award letter).
• your driving licence number if you have a driving licence.
• proof of where you live.
• proof of your identity.
• your surname at birth or your surname on an adoption certificate.
• details of the town and country where you were born.

You will also need to provide a passport style photograph as this will appear on the back of the badge. Your photograph will not be on display when the badge is in use in the vehicle. The photograph can be submitted with your online aplication if you have a digital photograph that can be uploaded. Alternatively you can send a signed photograph to the Blue Badge service in Manchester (contact details above). The photograph must be the same standard as those supplied for use on passports and your name should be shown clearly on the back.

Help and enquiries about the service

If you have any questions about the blue badge scheme, please contact the Blue Badge Team using the Contact details on this page.

More information at Gov.uk

In November 2012, DirectGov and the Department for Transport websites were moved to the new GOV.UK website. GOV.UK is a simpler, clearer and faster way to get what you need from the government.

Here are some useful links to the website:

Department for Transport (External Link)

Blue Badges (External Link)