Apply for Licences and Consents

An Excavation Licence is necessary to carry out archaeological excavations and certain other regulated archaeological activities.

Detection Device Consent is used to regulate the use of metal detectors and other remote sensing instruments.

You will need a Dive Licence to carry out underwater archaeological activities or to dive at protected underwater cultural heritage sites.

You will need Ministerial Consent to carry out any works at or near a National Monument.

You must to notify us if you are carrying out any works at or near a Recorded Monument.

Archaeological works in advance of certain road schemes or prison developments are carried out under Ministerial Direction.

Find out about other permits that may be needed to carry out archaeological works or activities.

Find out about best practice standards and guidance for carrying out archaeological works and activities.