You can apply for a Blue Badge online.
It is a quick and easy way to;
- make your first application
- or to reapply if you already have a badge.
If you're not able to apply online yourself you could ask someone to help, such as:
- a family member
- friend
- support group
- or carer
There are other websites that offer to help apply for your Blue Badge but they may charge for this service. To avoid paying extra, apply direct through the link below.
Apply for a blue badge on Gov.uk
Please note; There is a £10 fee. The online application form allows you to make a payment using a debit or credit card. The £10 fee will be refunded onto your card if your application is unsuccessful. If you are applying with a paper application form, please do not make the £10 payment until requested.
How long will it take?
It can take 6 to 8 weeks to process your application. This is for new applications and if you are reapplying for a badge. This is as long as you have
- completed the application in full
- made your payment
- provided the supporting information that we need
It may take longer if we need you to have an independent mobility assessment. If you are eligible for a badge, our badge supplier will post it direct to your home address.
What happens when you receive my application?
When we receive your application form and your evidence we will allocate a reference number. We will tell you the reference number if we need more information or if your application is rejected. We will check your identity and make sure you meet the qualifying conditions. If you are eligible for a badge, our badge supplier will post it direct to your home address.
How will you contact me if you need further information?
We prefer to contact people by telephone. You should provide us with at least one telephone number so that we can call you if we need to talk about your application. If we cannot speak to you on the telephone we will email you or send a letter in the post. If you have provided a mobile telephone number we may text you. Our text messages will be to ask you to contact us or to tell you if your application has been successful.
Why do you ask further questions about my health conditions?
We do this to be able to make the correct decision. Often the application does not have enough information. Speaking to the applicant can be very helpful as can further medical evidence that you may be asked to provide. We do not know you and it is important to us that we have a clear picture of how your conditions affect your mobility.
What happens if my form and the evidence I have provided is not enough information for you to decide if I need a blue badge?
If there is not enough information for us to complete the assessment, we will contact you. If we still do not have enough information we may ask you to attend a mobility assessment.
What is a mobility assessment?
A mobility assessment takes place if:
- there is not enough information to make the correct decision
- you disagree with our decision.
The assessment is carried out by medical professionals independent of Cornwall Council. A report is then provided to us on how your disability affects your walking. We use this to make a final decision on your application.
What can I do if my blue badge application is rejected?
If you do not qualify for a badge under the strict criteria we may reject your application. If you disagree with the decision, you can write to us and ask us to reconsider your application. This should be within one month of the date on the refusal letter. You must sign the letter and tell us clearly why you disagree with our decision. You should also provide any further information or evidence that:
- you think is relevant to your application
- you have not provided to us before
How long does my badge last?
Your blue badge is valid for three years from the date of issue unless you receive:
- Personal Independence Payments (PIP):
- 8 points or more under moving around
- 10 points under planning and following a journey. Under the description of causing overwhelming psychological distress
- the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance
- or war pensioners mobility supplement
and your benefit has been awarded for less than three years. Your blue badge will expire on the same date as your benefit.
My blue badge is due to expire, how do I reapply for a new blue badge?
Blue badges are not automatically renewed and when you reapply, we will look at your application again in detail. You will need to complete an application form and supply as much information as possible. We do NOT send reminders and the reapplication process can take the same time to deal with as a new application.
You can reapply online; the process is exactly the same as making an application for the first time.
What if I have a blue badge from another area?
If you move to Cornwall from another area, you can continue to use your old badge. You can apply for a new badge from Cornwall Council when your old one expires. You should tell the Council that issued your old badge about your change of address.
What if my blue badge is lost, stolen or destroyed?
We can issue a replacement badge if you lose your badge or it's stolen. You will need to provide a new photo. The fee for a replacement badge is £10.00.
Ask for a replacement badge online
What to do if a blue badge holder has died?
You should return the blue badge to Cornwall Council by posting it to:
Blue Badge Assessments, PO BOX 676, Truro, TR1 9EQ.
Can an organisation apply for a blue badge?
Yes. An organisation may be eligible and can apply for a badge, if they both:
- care for or assist people who need a Blue Badge
- transport people who need a Blue Badge
The organisational blue badge gives the same parking concessions as an individual blue badge. It can be used by the organisation when transporting disabled people who would be eligible for their own blue badge. It can’t be used at any other time. You can apply for a blue badge for your organisation using the link below.
Apply for a blue badge on Gov.uk
Data Matching
Cornwall Council is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers.
For the prevention and detection of fraud it may use the information provided in connection with any application.
It may also share this information with other bodies. For example those responsible for auditing or administering public funds.
Further information can be found via the National Fraud Initiative page.
