Permits

The Process for Acquiring an ARPA Permit

Permits are required for any archaeological work conducted on state-owned and state-controlled lands under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA). According to the state's administrative code, the Office of State Archaeology issues ARPA permits to qualified archaeologists.

There are two types of permits: a specific permit, the most common type, is issued to the principal investigator for a specific project; and a general permit is issued to the principal investigator (PI) or staff at a State land managing agency. General permits cover any and all archaeological investigations conducted by the PI (or his/her designee) on land managed by that agency. General permits are good for 5 years while specific permits cannot exceed 3 years. Underwater Permits are separate from General or Specific Permits, for more information on Underwater Permits please contact Chris Southerly or OSA_ARPA

Please select and complete the correct permit application below and email to OSA_ARPA. Once the application is received you will be sent a fingerprint card, a release form, and an instruction form. Using the finger print card you will receive, the applicant should get their fingerprints taken by law enforcement, sign the release form and return both to OSA with a certified check or money order (made out to the State Bureau of Investigation or SBI) for $38.00. The finger prints will be sent to the State Bureau of Investigation who will perform a criminal background check. Criminal background checks are good for one year. If another permit is needed within that time period, another criminal background check is not needed. The applicant will be notified when the background check is completed. Please contact us if you have questions or need more information.

Download the ARPA Permit Application:
Specific
General

More Information on Underwater Permits

 


Permits For Exploration, Recovery or Salvage Operations of Underwater Sites

North Carolina General Statute 121-25 states that "Any qualified person, firm or corporation desiring to conduct any type of exploration, recovery or salvage operations ... shall first make application to the Department of Cultural Resources for a permit or license to conduct such operations."

Although these permits are currently issued at no charge, G.S. 121-25 allows for the payment of a fee at the Department's discretion. Over the past 20 years, the UAB has issued 115 permits. Those permits have gone to a variety of individuals, groups, agencies, and institutions for a wide range of research projects. For information on Underwater Permits please contact Chris Southerly or the OSA ARPA email.

State Statutes

Administrative Procedures