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Blue Badge application process

Blue badge delays

We are currently experiencing a very high volume of applications. The current waiting time is a minimum of 12 weeks from the time we receive your completed application. 

Further delays can occur if you need further assessment or we do not receive the right documents.

You can apply online for a Blue Badge for yourself, someone else or an organisation.

Before you apply, check if you are eligible for a Blue Badge.

If you wish to fill in a paper application form, see the list of organisations that provide these.

What you will need to provide

You need to know your National Insurance number.

You'll need to provide the following:

  • One recent passport size photo (taken in the last 3 months) showing your head and shoulders. This should measure 3.5 cm wide x 4.5 cm high on a plain white background.
  • A copy of a document proving your identity (passport, driving licence, birth or adoption certificate, marriage / civil partnership or divorce certificate)
  • A copy of a document proving your current address (less than 12 months old). This can be a hospital letter or utility bill. Mobile phone bills are not accepted.
  • Proof of benefits that automatically qualify you for a Blue Badge. This must show all pages of your benefit letter, including the breakdown of points and not just the first page.
  • Current medical evidence which indicates that the condition affects the walking part of any journey you undertake, including:
  • GP Medical summary,
  • Current prescription – please do not send photographs of medication,
  • Current (or most recent) documents from the healthcare professionals involved in your care, detailing any investigations, treatments or plans. These should be dated within the last 12 months but no older than 3 years,
  • Please do not send appointment letters and ensure that all documents submitted are complete with names and dates visible.

Please note that failure to submit the required information could result in your application being cancelled.

How to pay

We will contact you to ask for payment pf £10 if your application is successful. You can choose to pay for your badge online or by cheque or postal order. 

If you wish to pay online, please ensure you provide a valid email address for us to contact you.

You do not pay until your application is approved.

How to send us your documents

Please send us all your supporting documents within 14 days, or let us know that there will be a delay. If you do not respond to our requests for information, your application will be cancelled. It is quicker to send us documents online.

Sending documents online

  • If you apply online, you can add digital photos or scans of your documents to the application.
  • If you’ve already applied and know your application number, you can submit missing documents and your photo online using our digital assistant. This automated service is located on the right-hand side of the Blue Badge website pages. You will need to say yes to cookies for 'communications and marketing' to see it – check your cookie settings.

Sending documents by post

Copies of your documents can be posted to:

Blue Badge Team
East Sussex County Council
3rd floor, St Mary’s House
52 St Leonard’s Road
Eastbourne BN21 3UU

How long it takes

It will take a minimum of 12 weeks for a new application to be processed. Further delays may occur if you do not send the correct documents or need an assessment. 

After we receive payment, your application will be submitted to the national issuing office for processing.

Keeping you informed

If you apply online and supply us with a current email address, you'll be kept updated about the progress of your application.

If you know your application number, you can check the progress of your application online using the digital assistant on the right-hand side of the Blue Badge website pages. This automated service is available 24 hours a day.

The digital assistant will only appear on the Blue Badge website pages if you say yes to cookies for 'communications and marketing' – check your cookie settings.

How to take photos

If you are unable to get to a photo booth, you can take a photo using a mobile, tablet or digital camera.

Follow the advice on how to take a good photo for your Blue Badge.

What to do if you are not sure about eligibility

When you apply online you'll be asked questions to check that you are eligible for a Blue Badge. Based on your answers, you may be told that you are not eligible.

If you still think you are, please email us at: BlueCarBadge@eastsussex.gov.uk 

Contact the Blue Badge team

To get in touch with us:

Contact the Blue Badge team

Change of address

If you have moved then you can email us with your new address:

Email: BlueCarBadge@eastsussex.gov.uk 

The address is held on file so you do not need to return your badge.

You can also write to us at the address above.

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