How can drivers get a disabled parking badge in France?
UK versions of the badge should now be recognised in France
The Carte Mobilité Inclusion (CMI) stationnement is a French disabled parking badge that gives you the right to park in public disabled spaces
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Reader Question: I believe that my previous UK blue badge is not guaranteed to work in France, so can I get a French one instead? What is the process to apply for one? I live in France.
If you are a resident of France and need to park in disabled parking spaces, you should apply for a Carte Mobilité Inclusion (CMI) stationnement.
This card allows you to park for free in designated disabled bays throughout France, but there are a few important details to be aware of when applying.
What is the CMI stationnement?
The Carte Mobilité Inclusion (CMI) stationnement is a French disabled parking badge that gives you the right to park in public disabled spaces.
You must place the card on your vehicle's dashboard when using these spaces. While public disabled parking is free, private car parks may still charge fees.
Local authorities can set time limits for how long you can park in a disabled bay, but the minimum time allowed is 12 hours.
Who can apply for a disabled parking badge?
The CMI stationnement is only available to residents of France, not to visitors or second-home owners.
To apply, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, complete a form and provide supporting documentation.
How to apply for the disabled parking badge
To apply for a CMI stationnement, follow these steps:
Complete the application form
Download and fill out Formulaire 15692*01.
This form is only available in French. Depending on the applicant’s status (child, student, etc.), there are different sections to fill out.
Gather required documents
Along with the application form, you will need to submit several documents:
Medical certificate: A certificate from your French GP (médecin traitant) or another doctor, dated within the last 12 months.
Proof of identity: A photocopy (both sides) of a valid identity card, residency card, or any document that authorises residence in France (such as a carte de séjour for non-citizens).
Proof of address: A photocopy of your proof of address. If you live with someone else, include both proof of address and an attestation sur l'honneur de l'hébergeant (a statement from the person providing accommodation).
Legal Protection Certificate (if applicable): For individuals under legal protection (protection juridique).
Passport-style photo: A recent passport-sized photograph
Submit your application
Send your completed form and documents to the Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées (MDPH) in your local area.
Each department has its own MDPH office and details can be found on their website. To ensure your application is received, it is recommended to send the documents by registered mail (Lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception).
Badge processing time
Once your application is received, the MDPH will process it. The badge can take up to four months to be issued.
If you have not received your card by then, it is likely that your application has been rejected. In that case, contact the MDPH for further details.
Where can you use the CMI stationnement?
The CMI stationnement is valid in all EU countries, allowing you to use designated disabled spaces when travelling within the EU.
However, it is important to remember that private parking spaces may still charge for parking, even if you have the disabled badge.
With regard to the UK badge, which can be used by UK residents visiting France, this was not formerly recognised in France however, at last July's France/UK summit Presdient Macron promised to take steps to enable their recognition.
French prefects then received instructions with regard to this and in term asked authorities in their areas to treat UK badges the same as French CMI badges or EU-issued badges.
