Disabled badge users in France must replace them soon

People in France who still hold an old disability, priority or parking card have until December 31, 2026, to replace it with a Carte mobilité inclusion (CMI).

An old card remains valid only until its printed expiry date, or December 31, 2026 at the latest. Replacement applications can take up to four months to process so holders are advised to act soon.

The CMI has three versions: invalidity (CMI invalidité), priority (CMI priorité) and parking (CMI stationnement).The invalidity and priority cards provide priority access and seating. 

Meanwhile, the parking version allows holders to park for free in public on-street parking spaces, including spaces reserved for disabled people, whether they are driving or passengers. 

Municipalities can set a maximum parking time, but this cannot be less than 12 hours. In car parks with entry barriers, a fee may still be charged. 

CMI stationnement cards are usually issued for between one and 20 years but can also be issued without a time limit if the person's condition is not expected to improve.

It should also be noted that the CMI stationnement is only available to residents of France, not visitors or second-home owners and it is valid in all EU countries.

However, private car parks may still charge for parking, even if you have a disabled badge.

UK Blue Badges were not previously recognised in France after Brexit. However, following a France-UK summit in July 2025, President Emmanuel Macron said steps would be taken to recognise them. 

French prefects then instructed local authorities to treat UK badges in the same way as French CMI and EU-issued badges.

How to replace an old card

Most applicants need to apply through their local Maison départementale des personnes handicapées (MDPH) using the standard application form.

You must provide:

• proof of identity

• proof of address

• a medical certificate completed and signed by a doctor

You should also describe your daily situation and provide any other documents relevant to your application.

The official application form states that you should receive a response within four months. If you receive no response in this timeframe, the application is considered to be refused.

You can request the CMI stationnement and CMI invalidité on the same MDPH form. If both are granted, you will receive two cards: the invalidity card to carry with you and the parking card to display in your vehicle.

If your old Carte européenne de stationnement was issued on a permanent basis (when a person’s condition is not expected to improve), if you apply for a CMI stationnement before December 31, your application will be automatically accepted. 

However, if you receive or are applying for the Allocation personnalisée d’autonomie (APA), the process is different.

The APA is a benefit for people aged 60 or over who need help with everyday activities because they have lost some independence.

If you already receive APA, you should request a CMI application form from your local conseil départemental and return it with your proof of identity, a copy of your APA award decision and, in some cases, a medical certificate.

If you are applying for APA, you can request the CMI at the same time.

You can also ask for help when completing the form from your local Centre communal d’action sociale (CCAS) or a France Services office.

What happens after approval?

The Imprimerie nationale, France’s national printing office, produces the CMI and sends you a letter asking for a photograph, which you can submit online through the CMI beneficiary portal using the details in the letter, or by post using the return coupon provided.

The photograph needs to be less than six months old.

Then the card is sent within 10 days of the Imprimerie nationale receiving your photograph.