Documents you need to apply for a Blue Badge

Proof of identity

This document will prove who you are.

You can use a:

• driving license
• passport
• HM Forces ID card
• ID card for foreign nationals
• certificate of British nationals
• birth certificate
• Citizen Card (Photo National ID card for the UK)

Proof of residency

This document will prove where you live.

You can use a:

• a current year Council Tax statement
• a benefit or pensions letter dated in the last 12 months
• a utility bill, an NHS/doctor’s letter, or letter from Care home (on headed paper and should include your name and date the residency began) dated in the last 3 months
• a driving licence (only if not used for proof of Identity)
• Lasting Power of Attorney Health and Welfare evidence (if the badge needs to be sent to the appointed power of attorney).

(Note: Address details held on the DWP database cannot be used to verify your current address).

Problems with supporting documents cause over half of our application delays. If you have any questions email bluebadgeteam@suffolk.gov.uk or call on 0345 6066077

Photograph

Photos need to be of a passport style 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 6 months
• of you on your own
• a close-up of your head and shoulders and you must be wearing clothing
• 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
• showing your full head (no hats), unless you cover your head for religious or medical reasons.

See examples of acceptable photos from the HM Passport Office.

Supporting documents

If you automatically qualify for a badge under Personal Independence Payment or Higher Rate of Mobility for Disabled Living Allowance, your eligibility will be verified using the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) system.

If you automatically qualify for a badge under any of the following criterion, we will need to see the relevant evidence:

• Registered Blind - Certificate of Visual Impairment confirming severe sight impairment (CVI)
• War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement – a copy of your War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement Award letter, dated in the last 12 months
• Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme – a copy of your award letter within tariff levels 1-8 (inclusive) dated in the last 12 months

Hidden disabilities

We may ask you to get a HD1 form (PDF, 254KB) completed to support your application.

Cannot upload documents to your application

If you are not able to upload your documents or photograph, you can:

1. bypass the sections of the form when it asks you to upload by selecting 'I cannot scan or upload’
2. then select ‘continue without uploading’

Sending your documents to us

If you are unable to upload your documents, please scan and email them to us at bluebadgeteam@suffolk.gov.uk or send photocopies to us (not originals) by registered post to:

Blue Badge Team, Suffolk County Council, PO Box 258, Stowmarket, IP14 9BU

If you require any further assistance regarding the Blue Badge application process, please call us on 03456 066 077.