The blue badge scheme allows people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport to park for free. This means badge holders can park close to where they need to go. The scheme operates throughout the UK.
The cost of a blue badge is £10 and this fee will need to be paid prior to the application form being processed to do this call us on 0113 222 4444 with your debit or credit card details.
How to apply for a blue badge
You can apply by:
- Completing the online form
- Downloading the PDF form available on the right of this page
- Telephoning us on 0113 222 4444 to request an application form
- Visiting a One Stop Centre
- Writing to us at: Customer Services, PO Box 657, Leeds LS1 9BS
Who can apply for a blue badge
Eligibility is considered in terms of being ‘eligible without further assessment’ or ‘eligible subject to further assessment’. People who may be issued with a badge without further assessment are those who are more than 2 years old and fall within one or more of the following descriptions:
- Receives War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Receives the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
- Has been both awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1 - 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
- Is registered severely sight impaired (blind), either with Leeds City Council, or under the National Assistance Act 1948.
You can also get a blue badge subject to further assessment if:
- You have a permanent and substantial disability, and are unable to walk, virtually unable to walk, or the effort required to walk would constitute a danger your life or likely lead to a serious deterioration of your health.
- You have severe upper limb disabilities, regularly drive and cannot or find it hard to use all or some types of parking meter.
- The applicant is a child less than three years old who, because of a specific medical condition, needs to travel with bulky medical equipment, or needs to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment.
Please note that if you apply for a blue badge under any of the above criteria you will need to attend clinic for an independent mobility assessment.
You don’t have to own a vehicle or be able to drive one to have a blue badge. The badge is personal to you and can be used in any vehicle in which you travel as a passenger.
The national concessions apply only to on-street parking, where badge holders may park close to their destination, providing no parking restrictions apply which may prohibit the use of the badge.
The disabled persons’ blue badge permit is recognised throughout the European Union.
Disabled bus passes
If your application for a blue badge is successful, you will automatically qualify for a concessionary travel permit. If you would like to apply for a travel permit as part of your blue badge application, please tick the box on the front of the blue badge application form.