You must include certain documents with your Blue Badge application.
If your photos or scanned copies of documents do not meet the standards required, your application will be delayed.
If you have not successfully completed the online automatic verification, you will be required to supply a photograph, proof of address and proof of identity in support of your Blue Badge application.
It is unlikely that applicants under the age of 18 will successfully complete the online automatic verification. All required documentation must show the name of the applicant.
Photos need to be similar to passport pictures but don't need to be taken in a photo booth or by a professional. They can be taken with a digital camera or smartphone.
Your photo must be:
- taken within the last six months - it must not be the same as the one on your previous Blue Badge
- of you on your own
- a close-up of your head and shoulders
- in colour - we don't accept black and white
- sharp and in focus with a clear difference between your face and the background
- taken against a plain, light background
- of you looking straight at the camera
- non-tinted glasses can be worn
- showing your full head, unless you cover your head for religious or medical reasons
Proof of address must be in the applicant’s name. You must submit one of the following, dated within the last 12 months:
- council tax bill
- bank/building society statement
- gas/electricity/water/telephone bill
- benefit letter (with address shown)
- payslip (with address shown)
- pension/HMRC/Tax Credit letter.
You can't use the same document as both proof of identity and proof of address.
Proof of identity must be in the applicant's name and show their date of birth. You must submit a copy of one of the following:
- valid passport (the photograph page)
- valid photocard driving license (the front of the photocard showing the applicant's name, date of birth and address)
- birth/adoption certificate
You can't use the same document as both proof of identity and proof of address.
For applicants who automatically qualify, you may be asked to provide proof of your entitlement to your qualifying benefit. The documents suitable for each criteria are listed below. Please be aware it is your responsibility to find and provide the below documentation, as we are unable to request documentation on your behalf.
Your Blue Badge will expire at the end of your current entitlement shown on the letter you provide as evidence, or for three years from the date of issue, whichever is first.
Please provide copies of documents, as we cannot return original documents.
Severely Sight Impaired
Please provide a copy of your ophthalmologist's report / CVI / BD8 form.
Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
We will check the DWP database to check if you are eligible. If we are unable to establish eligibility we will ask you to provide a copy of your entitlement letter for the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance issued within the last 12 months or an original copy of your yearly update letter.
Disability Living Allowance information on the GOV.UK website
War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
Please provide a copy of your entitlement letter for the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.
War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement guidance on the GOV.UK website
In receipt of an award under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme
Please provide a copy of your award letter confirming receipt of tariffs 1-8 under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme. This should certify that you have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking.
The Department for Transport (DfT) have confirmed that proof of Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) only does not qualify automatically for a blue badge.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme guidance on the GOV.UK website
Meet the 'moving around' descriptor for the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
We will check the DWP database to check if you are eligible. If we are unable to establish eligibility we will ask you to provide a copy of your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision letter issued within the last 12 months, showing you have been awarded 8 or more points on the 'moving around descriptor' only. This must include the front page, expiry date of your award and the page showing your score for the 'moving around' section.
If your letter was not issued within the last 12 months, you must also include a copy of your annual uprating letter showing your current name and address.
Personal Independence Payment overview on the GOV.UK website
Meet the 'planning and following a journey' descriptor for the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
We will check the DWP database to check if you are eligible. If we are unable to establish eligibility we will ask you to provide a copy of your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision letter issued within the last 12 months, showing you have been awarded descriptor E which states 'you cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress'. This must include the front page, the expiry date of your award and the page showing your score for the 'planning and following a journey' section.
If your letter was not issued within the last 12 months, you must also include a copy of your annual uprating letter showing your current name and address.
Proof of entitlement for non-visible (hidden) disabilities
For applicants applying under the discretionary criteria for non-visible (hidden) disabilities, you will be asked to provide proof of your disability and how it affects you during the course of a journey. Please be aware we are unable to contact professionals on your behalf.
We need to assess your eligibility for a Blue Badge. Anyone over two years old may be eligible if they either:
- Experience considerable difficulty whilst walking which may include severe psychological distress. For example, this could include conditions such as severe anxiety and agoraphobia.
- Are at serious risk of harm when walking or pose, when walking, a risk of serious harm to any other person. For example, this could include complex mental health disorders, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Please provide copies of documents, as original documents cannot be returned.
Mandatory
- Professional form (BBNV2) - this must be completed by a social, educational or healthcare professional involved with your care. A family member cannot complete this form even if they care for you.
Optional
- Letter of diagnosis
- Confirmation of ongoing treatment, clinic attendance or referrals
- Evidence of prescribed medication relevant to the condition
- Evidence of specialist consultations or referrals
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
- Experience and coping strategies
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision letters
- Social housing reports or assessments from Local Authority
- Care plans from local care teams
- Patient summary or summary care records
- Please be aware GP letters of support must not be the only source of evidence
Uploading supporting documents after applying online
If you’ve already applied for a Blue Badge online and wish to provide additional supporting documents, please email them to blue.badges@cambridgeshire.gov.uk. You’ll need to include your application reference number, which can be found on the confirmation email you received when you submitted your application.
