Archaeology Permits

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) issues archaeological permits for investigations on land and in Maryland’s state waters, as established under the Maryland Historical Trust Act of 1985. It is unlawful to conduct archaeological work in protected areas without a permit. 

This page explains which activities require a permit and which do not. If you’re planning a project, check the right section below and contact MHT archaeologists for guidance. 

Some local governments may also have restrictions on archaeological investigations. Contact your local planning office to learn more. 

Terrestrial archaeology permits  

You must obtain a permit from MHT before beginning archaeological work on state-owned or state-controlled lands, all caves, and some private properties where state funds, easements, or permits are involved. Unauthorized archaeological work in these areas is not permitted.

When are terrestrial archaeology permits required?

You must obtain an MHT permit for any work that involves:

• Excavation, removal, damage, or disturbance to a terrestrial archaeological site on state-owned or state-controlled land
• Any activity that may affect archaeological resources on those lands 

Application instructions

A complete application must include the following:

1. Project information
   • Project title and project location (with mapping documentation)
   • Land-managing state agency and responsible contact
   • Whether the project has been reviewed under state or federal compliance
2. Investigation details
   • Lead archaeologist and qualifications (maximum two pages)
   • Field supervisor contact (if different)
   • Research design and public benefits of the work
   • Fieldwork start/end dates and expected report submission date
   • Curation location for recovered materials and plans for sharing results 

The most common reasons a terrestrial archaeology permit is returned as incomplete are:

1. Failing to include signatures for:
   • Item 15 (the signature of the applicant)
   • Item 16 (concurrence of state agency administering land for which permit is requested)
2. Not initialing the lower right corner of the special conditions page
3. Providing a qualification statement (resume/vita) that is longer than two pages 

How to apply for a terrestrial archaeology permit 

1. Download and complete the terrestrial permit application from MHT.
2. Submit the completed application and accompanying materials to the State Terrestrial Archaeologist.

Underwater archaeology permits 

The State of Maryland owns or controls most land beneath navigable waterways, including rivers and marine waters within three miles of the coast. Archaeological sites and objects embedded in underwater lands owned or controlled by the State are government property. An underwater archaeology permit is needed for many research activities on such sites.

When are underwater archaeology permits required?

As long as no archaeological resources are damaged and no sediments or artifacts are disturbed or excavated, no permit is needed for the following activities at an underwater site: 

• Inspection 
• Photography 
• Measurement 
• Recording 

Activities that include excavation, data or artifact collection, or other archaeological work may require a permit. Please contact the State Underwater Archaeologists to discuss your project and determine if a permit is required.

How to apply for an underwater archaeology permit  

1. Contact the State Underwater Archaeologists to determine if a permit is required for your project. If a permit is required, you will be provided with a permit application and instructions. 
2. Complete your permit application according to instructions provided. 
3. Submit complete applications to the State Underwater Archaeologists by email.