Blue Badge information
How the scheme works and other information about Blue Badges.
How the Blue Badge scheme works
The badge is issued to the person, not the vehicle so it can be used for whichever car the disabled person is travelling in.
You should display the Blue Badge where it can be clearly read through the windscreen of your vehicle. The badge should be displayed with the photograph face down.
Where to park for free with a Blue Badge
With a Blue Badge you can park free of charge:
- in disabled bays for an unlimited time
- on single/double yellow lines (providing a loading/unloading ban is not in force) for up to three hours. Please ensure your clock is displayed
- in time-restricted bays/permit bays (including residents permit bays) in Oxford for an unlimited time
- in on-street Pay & Display bays in Oxford for an unlimited time without payment
- in residents' parking schemes in Abingdon, Bicester and Henley for as long as you like.
In addition, some district car parks have spaces for disabled parking. Find out more information on your district council website, see below.
You can also use your badge within any UK county and in EU countries. There are no current arrangements for you to use your badge outside the European Union, in countries such as the USA, Australia or Canada.
If you are a visitor from abroad, you can use your disabled parking badge in Oxfordshire.
How to check your eligibility
You can check your eligibility before you apply for a Blue Badge.
How long it takes to get a Blue Badge
If there are no problems with your application, and you have provided all required evidence and payment, you should get your badge 6-8 weeks after applying.
How much a Blue Badge costs
If your application is successful, your Blue Badge will cost £10. Please do not send payment until requested.
How to track your application
Log into your account to track the progress of your application.
How long a Blue Badge is valid for
Most badges are issued for three years. If you receive the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Mobility or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) your badge will be issued for the period you receive this. For example, if your DLA entitlement is under three years, your badge will expire when your DLA expires.
What to do if your badge has expired
Once a Blue Badge is out of date it can not be used. We attempt to contact customers eight weeks before their badge is due to expire; however, it remains your responsibility to ensure your badge is valid.
If your badge has expired and you have received a parking fine, you will need to contact the Civil Enforcement Team on 0345 337 1138 to discuss this.
How to return a badge
If the badge holder has died or the badge is no longer needed, please return it to the address below explaining why it is being returned so we can update our records.
Blue Badge Administration
PO Box 873 Oxfordshire
OX1 9NY
How to change personal details on your Blue Badge
If your name, address or appearance changes while you have a Blue Badge, you do not need to update those details until you renew your Blue Badge. However, if you want to change any of these details before renewal, contact the Blue Badge Team. A new badge will need to be issued at a charge of £10.
How to appeal against a decision
If you have been refused a disabled parking Blue Badge you can request a review of this decision.