# What is a Blue Badge and who can get one?

> Quick answer · Last updated 22 August 2026

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## In short

A Blue Badge lets you park closer to where you need to go. In England it costs up to £10, in Scotland up to £20, in Wales it is free, and in Northern Ireland it is £10. Some PIP, DLA and Child Disability Payment mobility awards qualify automatically; others are assessed by the council.

Apply via https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge (Northern Ireland uses nidirect). Badges usually last up to three years. In England, 8 or more PIP points for ‘moving around’, or 10 points on planning-journeys descriptor E, are automatic. Higher-rate DLA or Child Disability Payment mobility also qualifies. Twelve points on planning journeys without descriptor E is not automatic in England.

A Blue Badge is not Motability. Motability is a vehicle lease paid from qualifying mobility benefit. Parent map of passported help: [Autism Parent Guide financial support](https://autismparentguide.org/daily-life/financial-support). Guide: [Blue Badge explained](/benefits-tax/blue-badge-explained/).

## Related

- [Blue Badge explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/blue-badge-explained/)
- [How to apply for a Blue Badge](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/apply-for-a-blue-badge/)
- [Motability explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/motability-explained/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.