Permits

Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) Permits

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