Losing your Blue Badge can feel stressful – whether it’s slipped out of your bag, been damaged beyond use, or even stolen. We know how important your badge is for everyday life: it makes parking more accessible, helps you get closer to where you need to be, and takes some of the pressure off travelling.

The good news is that getting a replacement disabled badge is usually straightforward. You don’t have to panic, and you definitely don’t have to start your application from scratch if your current badge isn’t about to expire. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, how much it costs, and how long it takes, so you can get back on the road with peace of mind.

When to Replace and When to Reapply

If your badge is lost, stolen, or damaged and it’s not expiring soon, you can simply request a replacement disabled badge via GOV.UK (Replace a lost, stolen or damaged Blue Badge).
If your badge is due to expire within the next 3–6 months (depending on your local council), you’ll need to reapply for a new Blue Badge instead (Apply for a Blue Badge).

What You’ll Need to Replace Your Badge

When applying for a blue badge replacement, it helps to have:

Your personal details (name, address, National Insurance number if you have one)
Your current badge number, if you know it
If it’s been stolen: a crime reference number from the police

How to Request a Replacement

The quickest way is through the GOV.UK online form.
In some places (like Northern Ireland), you may need to apply by post using the nidirect form.
If applying by post, you might also need to include:
- A new passport-style photo
- Proof of identity and address
- Your damaged badge (if you’re replacing one that’s broken)

How Much Does it Cost?

England: £10
Scotland: £20
Wales: Free

(Some councils only ask for payment once your replacement is approved.)

How Long Does it Take?

Most councils say it can take up to 10 working days once your documents are received. Some are faster—Barnet Council, for example, aims to send replacements within 2 working days once payment is made for stolen badges.

If you apply by post (e.g. in Northern Ireland), allow a little longer—usually up to two weeks.

What if Your Old Badge Turns Up?

If you find your old badge after reporting it lost or stolen, don’t use it—it will have been cancelled. Some councils may ask you to return it for security reasons.

Quick Reference Table

Situation	What to do	Cost	Typical timeline
Lost, damaged or stolen (not expiring soon)	Apply for a replacement via GOV.UK	£10 in England, £20 in Scotland, free in Wales	~10 working days
Expiring within 3–6 months	Reapply for a new Blue Badge	Same as new badge application	Up to 12 weeks
Found after reporting lost/stolen	Don’t use – return if asked	–	–

Your Questions Answered

Q: What do I do if I lost my Disabled Blue Badge?
A: Go to GOV.UK, fill in the online form, and request a blue badge replacement. If your badge is close to expiry, you’ll need to reapply instead.

Q: Can you get a replacement Disabled Blue Badge?
A: Yes. As long as your badge isn’t about to expire, you can replace a lost, stolen or damaged badge. If it’s stolen, you’ll need the crime reference number from the police.

Q: Can you order a Disabled Blue Badge online?
A: Absolutely—the online form is the fastest option. In Northern Ireland, you can also apply by post.

Q: How much is a Disabled Blue Badge in the UK?
A: Costs vary depending on where you live: £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, and free in Wales.

Final Thoughts

Your Blue Badge is more than a parking permit—it’s a lifeline that helps make daily life a bit easier. If it’s lost, damaged or stolen, don’t panic. The replacement process is clear and relatively quick, with most councils turning applications around in a week or two.

The key is to act quickly, use the official GOV.UK form, and keep any crime reference numbers or documents ready. That way, you’ll be back on the road—and back to your normal routine—as soon as possible.

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

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How to Apply for a Disabled Blue Badge – Everything you Need to Know
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Airport Parking for Blue Badge Holders – A Guide to Holiday Parking for Disabled People