Applying for a Blue Badge

Click here to apply online for a Blue Badge at GOV.UK

• Applying online through GOV.uk will make it easier for you to apply as you will only be asked to complete those sections that are relevant to the eligibility criteria under which you are applying
• Some automatic checks can be made to help speed up your application reducing and preventing fraud
• You will be able to track the progress of your application through GOV.uk

If you do not have access to a computer at home, Public Access computers are made available at all local Libraries or the self service facility offered at the Civic Centre. 

Evidence of your identity and address

Identity - (photo copies are accepted):

One of the following must be submitted with your application:

• your birth/adoption certificate
• marriage/divorce certificate
• civil partnership/dissolution certificate
• valid driving licence or passport.

Address:

Proof of address should be in the form of a copy Council Tax bill bearing your name and address.

You will not need to submit your Council Tax bill if you have ticked the appropriate box on the application form which gives your consent for the Local Authority to check your address on our Council Tax records or electoral register.

If you are completing the application form on behalf of someone under the age of 16, you should give your consent for the Local Authority to check school records to confirm their address.

Copies of the following are also accepted if bearing your name and address.

• Valid driving License
• Housing Benefit award letter
• Benefit award letter from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Checklist of other documents you may need to enclose.

People who are severely sight impaired

• A copy of your ophthalmologists report / CVI / BD8 form (if you have not given us consent to check the blind register).

People who received the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

• A copy of your letter of entitlement for the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance issued within the last 12 months or a copy of your annual uprating letter.

People who meet a 'Moving Around' descriptor for the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• An original Personal Independence Payment decision letter issued within the last 12 months.

 

People who receive the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement

• A copy of your letter of entitlement for the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement

People who receive an award under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme

• A copy of your award letter confirming receipt of tariffs 1-8 under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme, which also certifies that you have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking.

Drivers with a disability in both arms

• A copy of your insurance details if you drive a specially adapted vehicle

Children under the age of three

• A letter from a healthcare professional that has been involved in the child's treatment, giving details of medical condition and type of medical equipment needed.

How to make payment

With effect from 1st January 2012 Southend-on-Sea Borough Council will charge £10 for all new, renewal and replacement badges issued.

The charge is only applied to successful applications. If your application is unsuccessful and you are not awarded a badge, you will not be charged.

If your application is successful we will contact you to make arrangements for payment.

Payment can be made as follows

By cheque - made payable to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

Credit/Debit card.

With effect from 5th March 2013, there is a 1.5% surcharge to payments made by credit card. There is no additional charge for using a debit card.

We do not accept cash payments

Photo requirements

The Department for Transport (DfT) expect photographs used for Blue Badges to be in accordance with passport standards. Further details of these requirements can be found at GOV.UK. Alternatively, view the Home Office leaflet Guidance for Passport Photos.

The photograph is a key feature in reducing abuse of the scheme and enabling effective enforcement.

Local Authorities can refuse to issue a badge if they have reason to believe that the applicant is not who they claim to be or that the applicant would permit another person to display the badge on a motor vehicle.

When applying online via Directgov you can upload a digital photograph. 

If completing a paper application the applicant's name must be written clearly on the back of the photograph.

Please Note: Photographs are non-returnable

People who are unable to access photo booths (for example, wheelchair users) may provide a suitable clear photograph taken by other means which can be cut down to an appropriate size. No other person should be visible in the photograph.

Photographs do not need to be provided for organisational badges. Organisational badges should include the organisation's stamp or logo in the space provided on the badge.

Blue Badge Delivery

Once payment and eligibility have been confirmed the badge will be posted direct to the applicant's address by standard 2nd class delivery.

Please note all badges are prepared, offsite, by a third party organisation.  Please allow 5 working days for receipt.

All expired, defaced or invalid badges must be returned to the issuing authority to be removed from circulation.

How do I replace my lost/stolen/damaged Blue Badge?  

All stolen Blue Badges must be reported to the Police and an incident number obtained.

Complete the online form 'Replacement Blue Badge' which can be found on the right. You will be required to supply the police incident number (where appropriate), details on how, when and where the Blue badge was lost/stolen and upload 1 x recent passport sized photograph.

For damaged Blue Badges you will need to complete a Replacement Blue Badge request form and upload 1 x recent passport sized photograph. You will be required to return the defaced Blue Badge before a replacement can be issued. 

If you require a paper 'Replacement Blue Badge' application please call us.

Lost or stolen badges or any other change that you need to tell us about may also be reported at GOV.uk/report-lost-stolen-blue-badge

Further Information

You can find the answers to frequently asked questions about the Blue Badge scheme by selecting our 'Related FAQ's' option at the right hand side of this page.

From 1 April 2012, legislation prescribes that the eligibility of those applying 'subject to further assessment' be confirmed by an independent mobility assessor. Southend Borough Council is therefore now working in partnership with ABLE2 Occupational Therapy Services to provide this service. If you are claiming under the above criteria, you will be contacted direct by ABLE2 in order to confirm your eligibility. Please note: Whilst ABLE2 will confirm eligibility, Southend Borough Council will at all times remain responsible for the issuing of the Blue Badge.