You could get a blue badge if you have a disability or health condition that affects your mobility. The badge allows you to park in certain public areas, making them easier to access.
In Wales, blue badges are free and are valid for up to 3 years.
You can apply:
- If you are travelling as a driver or passenger.
- For yourself or on behalf of someone else.
It could take up to 12 weeks to process your application. If you are referred to the Independent Advisory Service for further medical assessment, then it may take longer.
If you already have a badge and need a new one, you should apply up to 12 weeks before your current badge runs out. If you apply before this, your application will be cancelled. Find out what to do if your badge is due to expire.
What you need to apply
When you apply, you will need to provide:
- a recent passport-style photo,
- photo proof of identity (this could be a digital photograph or scan of your ID), and
- proof of address.
We may ask you for more evidence to support your application. Before you apply for a blue badge, please check if you are eligible and find out what evidence you may need to provide.
If you do not provide the evidence we need, we may refuse your application.
If you have already applied
It can take up to 12 weeks to process an application. Please do not contact us if you have applied within this time as this may prolong your application.
If you applied over 12 weeks ago and have not received any updates, please call or email us at [email protected].
Before contacting us about your existing application, please make sure you check the email address you used when applying. We will have sent any application progress updates to this address.
If your application has been refused
Our decision is based on the information and evidence provided in your application. If you have new information or evidence that you did not include the first time, you can submit a new application.
If you do not have any further information or evidence, you must wait at least 6 months before you re-apply.
If there are any significant changes to your mobility within the 6-month period, you can submit a new application. You must provide this new evidence when you re-apply.
Although we run the blue badge scheme on behalf of the Welsh Government, they cannot change the outcome of your application.
Photo guidance
When you apply, you must provide a recent passport-style digital photograph. Your application could be delayed if your photo is not suitable.
Your photo must:
- be clear and in focus,
- be of your head and shoulders only,
- be in colour,
- be on a plain or light-coloured background, and
- not be a 'selfie'.
In your photo you must:
- be facing forward and looking straight at the camera, and
- not have anything covering your face.
Independent advisory service
An independent advisory service has been set up by the Welsh Government for local authorities. This is for where a further medical assessment is needed.
- Your application will be referred to the independent advisory service if:
- You have recently had, or are waiting to have surgery
- You have a cognitive impairment
- You have a rare or unusual condition
- You have a deteriorating condition. You may also qualify for a badge without the need for more medical assessments in the future.
- You do not meet the eligibility criteria, but we believe that a further medical assessment may be necessary for medical advice (for example, you have mobility issues but you may be able to walk short distances)
If this is the case, we will send you an application form to complete.
Once we have received your application, we will refer you to the service. We will contact you with a decision or to ask for more information if needed.
We may also ask you to attend a face-to-face assessment, which could take place at one of our clinics or at your home. They will contact you directly to discuss this.
Apply at your local Hub
If you cannot apply online, you can visit your local Hub, where a member of staff can help you.
Staff can take copies of your documentation and take a photo for you. They can then submit your application digitally.
Search for Hubs that offer blue badge services.
Contact us
If you cannot get online or visit a Hub, you can request a call back to get help applying for a blue badge.
Tel: 029 2087 3209 (Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12 midday).
You can also complete our contact form with a query if you would like us to get in touch with you.
