The Blue Badge scheme is a national scheme for disabled people with severe mobility problems and who have difficulty using public transport.

It helps badge holders travel independently, as either a driver or passenger, by allowing them to park close to their destination.

  • It only applies to on-street parking. They do not apply to off-street car parks, such as supermarket car parks, or privately owned roads, such as those you find at airports.

The badge holder must be a passenger or a driver of the vehicle whenever a Blue Badge is displayed.

Carers or relatives are not permitted to use the badge when carrying out business on behalf of the badge holder, if the badge holder is not with them.

» More information about the scheme is on the Department for Transport Blue Badge Scheme website

Eligibility: Do I qualify for a Blue Badge?

Automatic entitlement

You automatically for a badge if you are an adult or child over the age of two and:

  • Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, in which case the expiry date of the badge will be linked to the end date of the benefit, if this is less than three years
  • Registered blind (not partially sighted) with Waltham Forest
  • Receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
  • Use a vehicle supplied under the Motability Scheme
  • Have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand even if that wheel has been fitted with a turning knob

Children under two do not qualify unless they have a condition that requires their carer to constantly carry bulky medical equipment for them.

Discretionary entitlement

People who don't meet the automatic criteria can apply for a discretionary badge. You may be entitled if you have:

  • Have a permanent and substantial disability, which means you are unable to walk, or have very considerable difficulty walking
  • Have a life threatening condition or any other obvious degenerative physical disability

People with behavioural problems are not eligible for a badge unless they also have considerable difficulty in walking.

People with a psychological disability, such as Alzheimer’s disease and who experience considerable difficulty in walking will be given consideration for a badge under the discretionary criteria.

You may be required to attend an assessment with our occupational therapist.

Medical conditions that do not qualify for a Blue Badge

People with the following medical conditions are not eligible for a Blue Badge:

  • ADHD
  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Broken limbs
  • Cholesterol
  • Crohns disease
  • Deafness
  • Dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dizziness
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Dyslexia,
  • Global development delay
  • Gout
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Leg ulcers
  • Mental health disorders
  • Obesity
  • Old age
  • Panic attacks
  • Phobias
  • Sickle cell anaemia
  • Varicose veins
  • Vertigo

How do I apply for a Blue Badge?

Once completed, the application form and supporting evidence can be returned:

By post to

The Mobility Team
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Alpha Business Centre
Unit 36, 60 South Grove
Walthamstow E17 7NX


This office is not open to the public and does not accept visitors.

Or in person to a Customer Service Centre or Leyton Library

You will need to supply the following with your application:

  • Two passport size photographs, with your name and date printed on the back
  • A copy of proof of address such as a current council tax bill or tenancy agreement or a utility bill dated within the last three months
  • A copy of confirmation of identity such as a national insurance card, medical card or passport
  • A copy of evidence of higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (if applicable)

How long does it take?

If you meet the automatic criteria we will issue your badge within five working days of us receiving a correctly completed application form.

Applications received under the discretionary criteria can take up to 28 days of us receiving all the required information. This is because we may need to arrange an assessment for you.

What do I do if my badge is faded or I have lost it or had it stolen?

If you have lost or had your badge stolen you must report it to your local police station. They will provide you with a lost property or crime reference number.

Download and complete the replacement badge form.

You can also collect the application form from a Customer Service Centre or Leyton Library or by calling Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 and asking them to send you one.

If your badge has faded or been damaged you must return it with the replacement badge form.

You will also need to send us one passport sized photograph, with your name and date printed on the back.

Misuse of the Blue Badge

If a Blue Badge is misused, we have the right to withdraw your badge immediately if the:

  • Holder is not the person they claim to be
  • Holder allows an unauthorised person to display the badge
  • Badge was obtained by false representation

We will withdraw your badge where violations have occurred on more than three occasions, where the parked vehicle causes an obstruction or danger to other road users.

It is a criminal offence for any unauthorised person to use a badge assigned to someone else. If they do so, they are liable to a fine of up to £1,000. It is also a criminal offence to drive a vehicle displaying a badge unless the badge holder is either driving or is a passenger in the vehicle.