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For amputee Nigel Ward, the evidence is undeniable.
The 71-year-old from King's Lynn assumed that providing photos showing his missing leg would be enough proof to get his blue badge renewed by Norfolk County Council.
But Ward has been asked to verify his disability further, with one council worker suggesting amputees can run marathons - a level of physical endurance he insists he does not have.
Norfolk County Council has insisted it is following correct procedures. But Ward, who lost his leg following a medical incident on a cruise three years ago, has been left "very disheartened" and says he worries it will affect his independence.
He added: "I am a genuine applicant, not a benefits cheat and I need a blue badge."
The Department for Transport (DfT) blue badge scheme, external allows people who have severe mobility problems to park closer to their destination, even in restricted areas.
The scheme is open to eligible people irrespective of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger.
Norfolk County Council said there was no renewal process and that applicants had to provide evidence with each application to prove ongoing eligibility.
The process still applies to those who have a permanent disability.
A spokesperson said: "We know how important blue badges are for helping people to remain independent.
"We have to work within the guidance set for us by the Department for Transport, which includes detailed guidance how eligibility should be assessed through evidence and assessments.
"Applicants must adequately evidence the difficulties they experience whilst walking; this applies to those reapplying for an expiring blue badge as well as first-time applications."
They said evidence could include letters, reports or details of treatment from a medical professional.
The DfT has been approached for comment.
Ward said he could not provide medical evidence of limited mobility, as he no longer needed to attend consultations or meetings with doctors after receiving his prosthetic limb.
"I am regarded as independent now," he said, "and would only need their assistance if something went wrong, either with the prosthetic limb or the stump".
Ward, who lives with his wife Gill, first applied successfully for a blue badge three years ago and said the process had been relatively simple before.
Now he is facing uncertainty.
Without the permit, journeys will become "troublesome to say the least", he says, and he has not been told what specific evidence to provide to complete his application.
After his plight was raised on social media by his daughter, Ward said several people had been in touch to say they faced similar issues getting blue badges renewed.
He said he believed fraudulent claims had led to more scrutiny of genuine applicants.
Norfolk County Council has taken dozens of people to court for misusing blue badges. , external
Disabled Motoring UK and Equal Lives, two Norfolk-based disability charities, previously warned blue badge users frequently face abuse and suspicion from other drivers when parking in disabled bays.
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