I think I might have had them from the local council about two weeks before expiry but always apply 8 weeks before then hear nothing from them and when I enquire about the badge about a week before expiry they say it’s just gone to the printers and will be with you in a few days then it arrives.
I don’t know if my nudge wakes them up or if it would have arrive just in time but it’s something I don’t like to take a risk on.