The Blue Badge Scheme is a national scheme that allows badge holders to park closer to their destination, but the national concessions apply only to on-street parking. The scheme helps you travel independently, as either a driver or a passenger. Transport Scotland is responsible for setting out the framework for the scheme and supports local authorities to deliver the scheme.
How to apply
You can apply online:
Blue badge applications can only be made online. You can grant permission for another individual to apply on your behalf, for example a support worker, friend or family member. Correspondence can go directly to you or your preferred point of contact.
All applicants will need to supply the following:
- Proof of identify (passport, driving licence, birth or marriage certificate).
- Proof of address (council tax bill or utility bill from the last 12 months).
- A recent digital photo (or a photo that can be scanned and uploaded) clearly showing your head and shoulders.
- National insurance number.
- Any proof of receipt of benefit or evidence you wish to submit in support of your application. See the table below for more details.
Payment is taken at the time of application and the cost is £20 to issue a badge. If your application is declined you will be refunded via the original payment method.
| Eligibility criteria | Supporting documents required |
|---|---|
|
Registered Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) |
Certificate of Visual Impairment (or confirm you are registered with NESS) |
| Higher rate mobility – Disability Living Allowance | Letter of entitlement dated within the last 12 months |
| Personal Independence Payments and have been awarded 8 points or more in the Moving Around category or awarded 12 points in the Planning and Following Journeys category | Letter of entitlement dated within the last 12 months |
| War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement | Letter of entitlement |
| Armed Forces and Reserved Forces (Compensation) Scheme | Letter of entitlement |
| Terminal illness | DS1500 form if you have received it or confirm the name of your healthcare professional |
| Walking difficulties | Any relevant correspondence you wish to submit, details of any walking aids you use |
| You are applying on behalf of a child under 3 who needs to be close to a vehicle | Details of medical condition and equipment required |
| Cognitive impairment | Letter of diagnosis from medical professional and details of benefits you are receiving |
| Higher Rate Mobility – Child Disability Payment | Certificate of entitlement from the Scottish Social Security Agency dated within the last 12 months |
|
In receipt of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment and have been awarded either:
|
Certificate of entitlement from the Scottish Social Security Agency dated within the last 12 months |
Please note if you are in receipt of Attendance Allowance you would not be automatically eligible for a Blue Badge.
Applying under the Cognitive Impairment Criteria
In 2017 Transport for Scotland revised and extended the eligibility criteria to allow people who pose a risk to themselves or others in traffic to apply for a disabled person’s parking badge, provided they meet the criteria.
The eligibility criteria were extended to:
- A person who has a mental disorder within the meaning in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003,
- who receives specified social security benefits at specified rates, and
- who lacks awareness of danger from traffic, which is likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others, as a result.
If you are applying under these criteria the option on your online application will be:
A diagnosed cognitive impairment and lack of awareness of danger from traffic which is likely to compromise your safety or the safety of others.
As part of your application we will require a healthcare or social work or teaching professional who has seen you at some time over the last 12 months and who is not your GP to complete a Counter Signatory Form. This can be completed and uploaded by you or on your behalf as part of the online application or emailed directly to customerapplications@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Renewals
If you are a current blue badge holder and you are reapplying under the same criteria you can use our blue badge renewals form.
Support with your Application
We have created this video to help you with your blue badge application.
BSL blue badge renewal
Paper Applications
If you would prefer to complete a paper application you can request one from us by contacting our Customer Contact Centre on 03000 200 292.
Telephone Appointments
If you require dedicated support from us to apply, we can offer a telephone appointment where someone will support you with your application. You can book one of these appointments by phoning our Customer Contact Centre on 03000 200 292. British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us direct by using Contact SCOTLAND-BSL. .Alternatively, you can use the Next Generation Text Service also known as Text Relay by dialling 18001 + the required telephone number listed above.
More information
See the Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Badge applications page for more information.