Blue Badge in Kent
Who issues the badge in Kent, what it costs, and the official way to apply.
In short
Blue Badges in Kent are issued by Kent County Council, not by district or borough councils. The badge costs up to £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.
Kent at a glance
| Cost | Up to £10 |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Kent County Council |
| Apply through | GOV.UK Blue Badge service |
| Lasts | Usually up to 3 years |
Official route
Apply in Kent 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 Kent County Council.
Which areas does Kent County Council cover?
Kent is a two-tier area: the county council issues Blue Badges for every district and borough within it. So wherever you live in Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling or Tunbridge Wells, your badge comes from Kent County Council, and the official service routes your application there automatically.
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 Kent?
In England a Blue Badge costs up to £10. Councils set the exact fee up to that cap, so check with Kent County Council when you apply.
Who issues Blue Badges in Kent?
Kent County Council. In two-tier areas like Kent the county council handles Blue Badges, not the district or borough councils.
How do I apply for a Blue Badge in Kent?
Apply through the official GOV.UK Blue Badge service at https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge. Your application is passed to Kent County Council, which makes the decision. You can also ask the council about applying by paper if you cannot apply online.
I live in Ashford. Do I apply to Ashford council?
No. District and borough councils such as Ashford do not issue Blue Badges. Kent County Council handles badges for the whole county, and the official service routes your application there automatically.
Last updated: 23 July 2026. We review our guides regularly, but rules change, so always confirm with the official source for your nation.