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The Blue Badge scheme

Who is eligible, how to apply for and renew a Blue Badge to help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination, report misuse of a Blue Badge.

Apply for a Blue Badge

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge – GOV.UK

If you cannot apply online due to your disability, contact us and we can discuss other ways to apply:

Telephone: 01582 510372

Evidence you need to provide

You will need:

  • proof of identity
  • proof of address
  • a passport-style photo
  • medical evidence
  • examples of difficult journeys
  • details of psychological distress or risk-of-harm behaviour (if relevant)  

If you cannot upload your documents, you can still submit your application and send your documents direct:

Email: bluebadges@luton.gov.uk

Tips for a strong application 

To improve your chances of success:

  • give clear medical evidence showing pain, breathlessness, instability, or risk when walking
  • be specific about distance and speed, for example “I can walk 20–25 metres before stopping”  
  • describe real incidents where walking caused distress, risk, or unsafe behaviour
  • include psychological distress details if journeys cause overwhelming anxiety or unsafe actions
  • provide all required documents (ID, address, photo, medical evidence)
  • keep copies of everything you send  

Example of a successful application

Sarah, a Luton resident, experiences severe pain and breathlessness due to a long‑term cardiac condition. She can only walk 20–25 metres before needing to stop, and her walking pace is very slow. On uneven ground, she becomes unstable and has nearly fallen several times. These issues affect her everyday journeys, including getting from a car park to her GP surgery.  

For her application, Sarah included: 

  • a consultant’s letter confirming her condition
  • details of her walking distance, speed, and pain
  • examples of real journeys where she struggled
  • required ID, address, and photo 

Luton Council approved her application because the medical evidence clearly showed very limited walking ability, pain, breathlessness, and safety concerns. 

Example of an unsuccessful application 

Zain applied for a Blue Badge due to hip and knee problems. He reported discomfort when walking but was able to walk over 80 metres at a normal pace on level ground. Although walking caused some pain after longer distances, he did not experience instability, breathlessness, or safety risks. His medical evidence confirmed the condition but did not show substantial or unsafe walking difficulty.  

Zain’s application was refused. The council explained that a Blue Badge is not intended for people who can walk reasonable distances without significant difficulty or risk. He was advised to reapply if his walking ability worsened.