Blue Badge holders must know ‘three-month’ rule to keep permit valid | Personal Finance | Finance

Blue Badge permits allow people with disabilities to park closer to their destinations. They are issued by local councils and are valid for three years. However, these permits aren’t automatically renewed. Some users might not be aware that they need to apply for renewal before the expiry date indicated on their permit.

As per government guidance cited by the Daily Record, people are urged to start their application three months prior to the permit’s expiration.

This timeframe allows the council sufficient time to process the application and ensures the new permit arrives before the current one becomes invalid. It’s worth noting that using an expired Blue Badge could result in fines up to £1,000, so keeping these permits updated is essential.

People can verify their eligibility, apply for a first-time Blue Badge, or renew their existing Blue Badge via the online service on Gov.uk.

For those whose Blue Badge expires around bank holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, it’s important to plan ahead as renewals may take longer due to postal delays, increased mail volumes, and reduced working hours during festive periods.

Once you’ve received your renewed badge, remember to keep your old one as well, since the new permit won’t become valid until the old one expires.

If your Blue Badge goes missing, is stolen or gets damaged, there’s a separate service to obtain a replacement. This will remain valid until the original badge’s expiry date.

However, if your misplaced, stolen or damaged badge was set to expire in less than three months, you’ll need to reapply instead.

Each time you put forth a renewal application, your eligibility for a Blue Badge is reassessed.

To fill out your application you’ll need:

• A photo or scan of your proof of identity
• A photo or scan of proof of address
• A photo or scan of proof of benefits if you get any
• National Insurance number
• Current Blue Badge details

If your health condition or mobility improves and you no longer meet the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge before your permit expires, you must return it to your local council.

Continued display of a badge when it’s no longer needed could result in fines of up to £1,000.