Parking permits (blue badge)

Information about the European Blue Badge Scheme, how to apply for a badge and where you can park.

Blue Badge Eligibility

Disabled parking badges are issued to people who have a permanent and substantial physical disability which significantly affects their ability to mobilise. The definition of this is:

"Permanent" - there is no possibility of recovery or rehabilitation.

"Substantial" - where you are only able to walk with extreme difficulty or with excessive pain, which limits walking to a distance of 80 metres. This affect on your mobility must significantly impair your ability to carry out essential activities needed for daily living.

Blue Badges are issued for a period of 3 years. If you have previously been granted a badge by Solihull Council, you will receive a renewal application form 6 weeks before your badge is due to expire.

Eligibility without assessment

If you meet one of the following criteria you are entitled to a Blue Badge without assessment: 

• are getting the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
• are registered blind (NOT partially sighted),
• are in receipt of a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
• receive entitlement to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

You must show proof that you receive these benefits when you apply. 

Eligibility following assessment

If you do not qualify for the above entitlement, but meet one of the following, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge:   

• Have a permanent and substantial disability which means you cannot walk, or have very considerable difficulty in walking. 
• Have a severe disability in both arms which may stop you being able to use parking meters and pay & display machines.
• Have a child under three suffering a medical condition requiring immediate access to a vehicle so that they can be treated or be taken quickly to a place they can be treated.

If you are applying on the basis of eligibility following assessment, you can view our Blue Badge Assessment Process.

How do I apply for a Blue Badge?

Online

The most convenient way to apply for a blue badge is to do so online at www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge.

Solihull Council will still need to assess and approve all new and renewal applications and have responsibility for checking identity, proof of address and any evidence requirements.

Postal Applications

If you wish to apply by post, an application form can be downloaded from the top right of this page. Before completing the application form,  please ensure you read the accompanying guidance notes.

Once completed, your application can be posted to the following address:

Solihull Connect Contact Centre
SMBC Offices
West Mall
Chelmsley Wood
Solihull
B37 5TN

Walk-In Centre

You may also apply for a Blue Badge by visiting one of our Connect Walk-In Centres.

If you are planning to apply at one of our Walk-In Centres, we can take your required photographs for an additional cost of £4 (Excluding Balsall Common).

Blue Badge Scheme - Customer Survey

The Blue Badge Department values the opinions of our customers. By actively listening to our customer’s opinions, we can learn new ways to improve & develop the Blue Badge service.

If you have recently completed a Blue Badge application, we would be grateful if you could please spare a minutes of your time to complete our Blue Badge Customer Survey.

Contact Us

For more information contact Solihull Connect

Telephone: 0121 704 6000

Email: bluebadges@solihull.gov.uk