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 16 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'll need to provide:
- A recent photo showing head and shoulders. You can take the photo with a phone or tablet, but it must be the size of a passport photo. See: How to take a good photo | GOV.UK
- Proof of identity – a copy of one of the following:
- passport or driving licence (in date)
- birth or adoption certificate
- marriage / civil partnership certificate
- divorce / dissolution certificate
- Proof of address - a copy of a government letter, hospital letter or utility bill. Mobile phone bills are not accepted.
- Your National Insurance number (if you have one)
- Proof of eligibility (if required) as detailed below
Automatically eligible
If you are applying in one of these categories, you need to submit a copy of your award letter. This must show all pages.
- War Pensioner Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme tariff levels 1 to 8
- Registered blind (severely sight impaired)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You no longer need to supply proof of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, unless we ask you to.
Eligible subject to further assessment
If you are not automatically eligible, you'll need to supply current medical evidence. This must show that the condition affects your mobility.
Examples of helpful evidence include:
- Recent clinic or hospital letters
- GP letters or summaries
- Physiotherapy or occupational therapy reports
- Scan or test results (if related to mobility)
- Care or support plans from social care professionals
- Medication lists (if relevant to mobility or pain management)
Please do not send appointment letters. Make sure all documents have names and dates visible.
We cannot process your application without these documents.
How to pay
If you wish to pay online, please provide your email address so we can contact you.
If your application is successful, we will email you with a link to pay £10.
Do not attempt to pay online until you have received your payment link. 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.
Using the digital assistant to send documents
Our digital assistant 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.
If you’ve already applied and know your application number, you can use the digital assistant to submit missing documents and your photo. To do this, select Check or update an existing Blue Badge application from the list of hints.
Sending documents by email or post
Email: BlueCarBadge@eastsussex.gov.uk
By post 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 16 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 using our digital assistant.
The digital assistant is located on the right hand side of the Blue Badge web pages. You'll need to say yes to cookies for 'communications and marketing' to see it – check your cookie settings.
To find out what stage your application is at, select Check or update an existing Blue Badge application from the list of hints.
How to take photos
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:
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.
