Blue Badge in County Durham
Who issues the badge in County Durham, what it costs, and the official way to apply.
In short
Blue Badges in County Durham are issued by Durham County Council. The badge costs £10 and usually lasts up to three years. Apply or renew through the official GOV.UK Blue Badge service, which sends your application to the council for a decision.
County Durham at a glance
| Cost | £10 |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Durham County Council |
| Apply through | GOV.UK Blue Badge service |
| Lasts | Usually up to 3 years |
| Decision time (council's estimate) | up to 12 weeks |
Official route
Apply in County Durham through the official GOV.UK Blue Badge service. It is the same trusted route for every council in England, and your application goes straight to Durham County Council.
Durham County Council also publishes its own Blue Badge information: Blue Badge page on the council website.
Good to know: A free fast-track route is available for terminally ill applicants with an SR1 report (no photo required). If you are refused, you can request a review within 28 days.
Eligibility and the rules are set nationally
Who qualifies for a badge, and the parking rules once you have one, are the same across England, so our main guides apply wherever you live:
- Who qualifies for a Blue Badge — automatic and assessed routes, including hidden disabilities.
- How to apply, step by step — the documents, photo and proof you need.
- The parking rules — where the badge does and does not apply.
- The England scheme in detail.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Blue Badge cost in County Durham?
Durham County Council charges £10 for a Blue Badge (checked 2026-07).
Who issues Blue Badges in County Durham?
Durham County Council, the local authority for County Durham.
How do I apply for a Blue Badge in County Durham?
Apply through the official GOV.UK Blue Badge service at https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge. Your application is passed to Durham County Council, which makes the decision. You can also ask the council about applying by paper if you cannot apply online.
How long does a Blue Badge decision take in County Durham?
Durham County Council says decisions usually take up to 12 weeks. Timescales can stretch if an assessment is needed, so apply well before you need the badge.
Last updated: 23 July 2026. We review our guides regularly, but rules change, so always confirm with the official source for your nation.