A Blue Badge is a disabled parking permit that allows people who are registered blind, or those with severe mobility issues, easier access to public facilities.
The badge is only for people who would otherwise be unable to access the shops or facilities that a Blue Badge would enable them to visit.
You must be permanently and substantially disabled, so that you are unable to walk, or have considerable difficulty in walking due to excessive pain or at an extremely slow pace.
Please read the information below carefully before applying. Over a third of applications are delayed or declined because of incomplete or missing information.
People with hidden disabilities including autism and mental health conditions will be able to apply for a Blue Badge at some point in 2019. We are waiting for The Department for Transport to amend the eligibility criteria and will update this page once we know more.
You will automatically be eligible for a Blue Badge if you satisfy one of the following requirements:
If none of these apply to you, then you will be processed and assessed on an individual basis.
If applying under a benefit which is time limited and less than three years, then Blue Badges will only be valid until the end date of that benefit. If you would rather apply for a full three year Blue Badge you will need to complete the application answering all questions.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced changes to the eligibility criteria for Blue Badges, which are expected to come into effect during 2019. We are still awaiting the updated criteria and any applications will be assessed according to existing guidelines.
Detailed information on eligiblilty for a Blue Badge is available at GOV.uk.
The most common reasons why an application is delayed are:
Other reasons an application may be delayed include:
If you are a permanent resident of Norfolk then you can apply for a Blue Badge online. You can use the computers provided free of charge at your local library.
If your online application is successful, we will send you a declaration to sign and return, along with the following documentation:
You will also need to include copies of any relevant documents, for example, proof of the receipt of the Mobility Component at the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (the evidence must be less than 12 months old and for the current period), or evidence of you being registered as blind. For example:
Documents can be uploaded using the Blue Badge self service system or emailed to bluebadgeunit@norfolk.gov.uk.
Or you can send your form and copied documents to:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
If you are unable for any reason to get a passport-style photograph from a photo booth, then we can also accept a photo emailed to bluebadgeunit@norfolk.gov.uk, or any recent photograph that you would be happy for us to use, although these must be passport-style size.
Ensure you send copies of documents. Do not send original documents, particularly passports and birth certificates. We can accept clear digital photographs of documents instead of photocopies. You can photocopy documents at your local library or Post Office.
If we need further information to help us make a decision about your eligibility you may be asked to provide further evidence or attend for an Independent Medical Assessment.
Download our Blue Badge paper application form:
If you would like us to send you an application form please call our Customer Service Centre on 0344 800 8020 or email us at information@norfolk.gov.uk.
You will also need to include copies of any relevant documents, for example, proof of the receipt of the Mobility Component at the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (the evidence must be less than 12 months old and for the current period), or evidence of you being registered as blind. For example:
Please send your form and copied documents to:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
If you are unable for any reason to get a passport-style photograph from a photo booth, then we can also accept a photo emailed to bluebadgeunit@norfolk.gov.uk, or any recent photograph that you would be happy for us to use, although these must be passport-style size.
Ensure you send copies of documents. Do not send original documents, particularly passports and birth certificates. We can accept clear digital photographs of documents instead of photocopies. You can photocopy documents at your local library or Post Office.
If we need further information to help us make a decision about your eligibility you may be asked to provide further evidence or attend for an Independent Medical Assessment.
A Blue Badge costs £10.
Payment will only be taken for successful applications.
We do not accept cash as payment. Payment can be made:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
*If you have applied through the central government's website GOV.uk instead of using our form, you may not have received a reference number yet to use on the self-service system. If so, you can email your documents as attachments to bluebadgeunit@norfolk.gov.uk instead. Then we will send you your reference number and guidance on how to make a payment if you still need to do so. Please make sure individual attachments do not exceed 4MB.
(You may be asked for a reminder code, if you do not have this you can leave this box blank.)
Blue Badges can not be renewed, instead you have to make a new application.
Please make sure you complete all sections of the form thoroughly as the assessor may not have access to your previous information.
The timescale for issuing Blue Badges is six to eight weeks from receipt of application.
Please note that if you are renewing your Blue Badge the new badge will not be sent to you more than two weeks before the expiry date of your current badge. We recommend you apply for a new badge 12 weeks before your existing one expires.
We can only fast track blue badge applications where the applicant is terminally ill.
Please note if you do not return any documents requested within four weeks of the communication requesting them, your application will be cancelled and any payments made will not be refunded.
A Blue Badge is issued for a specific person, meaning it can be used in any vehicle you are travelling in.
This means you do not need multiple Blue Badges if you use multiple vehicles.
For details of where and how your badge should be used read Your Rights and Responsibilities.
Complete the declaration form and return it to us at the address below.
Download declaration form (pdf)
If your current badge has less than six weeks left before its expiry date, you should apply for a new blue badge, rather than a replacement.
If the badge is found after you have declared it lost or stolen, it can no longer be used and should be returned to:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
You can continue to use your Blue Badge whilst it remains valid.
You should notify us of your new address as soon as possible so we can update our records.
If you are getting married/separated/divorced or need to change your name on the Blue Badge for any other reason you need to send a written request asking for a replacement badge with your new name on it.
We also require a copy of your marriage certificate or deed poll document as evidence of the change to:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
Replacement badges cost £10 as a new badge will need to be printed.
The replacement will only last for the remaining time as the original badge.
When a Blue Badge holder dies, their badge can no longer be used, and must be returned to us.
Whoever is dealing with the practical matters of winding up the estate should contact us to advise us of the date of death.
The badge should be returned to us with a covering letter to:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
Blue Badges should be returned if:
Return badges to:
Customer Service Centre/Blue Badge
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
Blue Badges are recognised in all European Union countries, although the manner in which they can be used differs according to local laws.
Disabled visitors from abroad can use their disabled parking badge in Norfolk as issued under their own national scheme.
Where the national scheme does not include a parking disc (time clock) as required in England and Wales for parking on yellow lines, the Department for Transport suggests that, when parking in areas that would normally require a parking disc, the disabled badge holder should simply write the time of arrival on a piece of card and display it prominently on the dashboard or facia panel of the vehicle.
It is the responsibility of the holder of a Blue Badge to ensure that it is used in accordance with the conditions stated on the badge and explained in the guidelines, Your Rights and Responsibilities. We investigate any reports of misuse and fraud, and a list of recent Blue Badge enforcements brought against persons committing criminal offences is available.