Blue Badge Scheme

As we move closer to Local Government Reform we are planning to take down the Blue Badge application form to allow for changes to be made for the two new Authorities.

Our aim is to take the Blue Badge application process down for 1 week from the 24th of March, this means we will be unable to access applications from this date.

If you are disabled, a Blue Badge permit allows you to park legally near to places you need to visit. The permit is for any eligible disabled person whether you are travelling as a driver, or as a passenger. It allows you to park for free in some pay and display car parks and on single and double yellow lines in most streets for up to three hours.

Although this is a national scheme that operates throughout the UK and is recognised in Europe, it's delivered locally by Cumbria County Council. We only issue badges in accordance with the guidelines and regulations provided by the Department for Transport (DfT).

For further information visit the GOV.uk pages about Qualifying for a Blue Badge

Blue Badges are issued to residents of Cumbria who meet one or more of the eligibility criteria.

To find out if you are eligible, visit the GOV.uk pages about Qualifying for a Blue Badge. 

Before applying we suggest you visit the GOV.uk pages about Qualifying for a Blue Badge, to find out if you are eligible.

To apply, you can: 

1. Apply online for a blue badge -  Your application will be assessed and processed by the Blue Badge Team.

2.  Complete our Blue Badge Application Form (PDF 2MB). 

  • The application form can either be completed online and returned by email to blue.badge@cumbria.gov.uk, or printed and returned by post to:

          Blue Badge 
          Cumbria County Council 
          PO Box 415 
          Carlisle 
          CA1 9GU

  • Make sure all relevant sections are completed including the declaration. 
  • Applicants should also use the 'Supporting Document Checklist' (Section 7) to ensure you provide all of the required supporting documentation, including proof of address, identity and a recent photograph. 
  • Application forms can also be collected from any Cumbria Library.

3. Contact AgeUK who can provide support to Cumbrian residents to complete Blue Badge applications, find your local AgeUK office. 

Badges are issued for up to 3 years depending on eligibility.

To submit your renewal request you can:

1.  Apply online for a blue badge - Your application will be assessed and processed by the Blue Badge Team.

2.  Complete our Blue Badge Application Form (PDF 2MB). 

  • The application form can either be completed online and returned by email to blue.badge@cumbria.gov.uk, or printed and returned by post to:

          Blue Badge 
          Cumbria County Council 
          PO Box 415 
          Carlisle 
          CA1 9GU

  • Make sure all relevant sections are completed including the declaration. 
  • Applicants should also use the 'Supporting Document Checklist' (Section 7) to ensure you provide all of the required supporting documentation, including proof of address, identity and a recent photograph. 
  • Application forms can also be collected from any Cumbria Library.

3. Contact AgeUK who can provide support to Cumbrian residents to complete Blue Badge applications, find your local AgeUK office. 

If your Blue Badge has been lost or stolen and expires within the next 12 months, you should apply for a new Blue Badge. 

1.  Report a lost or stolen Blue Badge online.

2.  Complete our Lost or stolen Blue Badge application form (PDF 1MB). 

  • The application form can either be completed online and returned by email to blue.badge@cumbria.gov.uk, or printed and returned by post to:

          Blue Badge 
          Cumbria County Council 
          PO Box 415 
          Carlisle 
          CA1 9GU

  • Make sure all relevant sections are completed including the declaration. 
  • Applicants should also use the 'Supporting Document Checklist' (Section 7) to ensure you provide all of the required supporting documentation, including proof of address, identity and a recent photograph. 
  • Application forms can also be collected from any Cumbria Library.

Blue Badges are only issued to people who have considerable difficulty walking, but Cumbria County Council have included a concession to assist people who have a life limiting condition with a poor prognosis (unlikely to be longer than 6 months). Life limited badges are issued for a period of 6 months only.

If you, or a person you are supporting, is suffering from a life limiting illness please complete the Life Limited Blue Badge application form (PDF 215KB). People who have a life limiting condition will normally have been issued with a DS1500. A DS1500 is short report about a person's medical condition; we are advised that they are available from a doctor, specialist or consultant. You must submit a copy of the report with your application form.

An organisational badge may be issued to organisations which both:

  • Cares for and transports disabled people who would themselves meet one or more of the eligibility criteria for an individual Blue Badge; and
  • Has a clear need for an organisational badge rather than using the personal Blue Badges of people it is transporting

Before applying read the Organisational Blue Badge guidance notes (PDF 255KB) which also include frequently asked questions.

To apply for an organisational Blue Badge:

1.  Apply online. Your application will be assessed and processed by the Blue Badge Team

2.  Complete our Organisational Blue Badge Application Form (PDF 249KB) 

  • The application form can either be completed online and returned by email to blue.badge@cumbria.gov.uk, or printed and returned by post to:

          Blue Badge 
          Cumbria County Council 
          PO Box 415 
          Carlisle 
          CA1 9GU

  • Make sure all relevant sections are completed including the declaration. 
  • Applicants should also use the 'Supporting Document Checklist' (Section 3) to ensure you provide all of the required supporting documentation. 

If your application has been refused, you can ask us to reconsider the decision in writing within 28 days. You can include any further information which may support a successful application. You will be asked to attend a mobility assessment with an Occupational Therapist. A decision may take longer if further evidence is required.

If the decision remains not to award a Blue Badge, we'll write to you with a full explanation. Whether the review is successful or not, the decision is final.

Please note: The rules about eligibility for a blue badge have changed considerably. Even if you've been issued with a Blue Badge in the past, this does not mean you will be issued one again.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties when they travel by road, it allows badge holders to park close to their destination and to park for free on the street.

If you misuse your Blue Badge you could be fined up to £1,000, which is on top of any parking offences, fines or tickets.

Cumbria County Council is committed to protecting the Blue Badge Scheme and genuine users, we take these offences very seriously and will continue to be vigilant in making our checks with a view to stamping out and misuse.

Abuse and fraudulent use of Blue Badges undermines public confidence in the scheme and means that fewer spaces are available for those using their valid badges correctly

If you suspect that a Blue Badge is being misused, please let us know, all information will be treated in the strictest confidence

Let us know if:

  • Someone is using a badge who shouldn't have one
  • Someone is using someone else's badge
  • Someone has a blue Badge but is parking unlawfully or dangerously

You can report misuse online by clicking on the following link:  Report Misuse form

Or complete our actual paper Report Misuse form (PDF 248KB) and email this to blue.badge@cumbria.gov.uk