USA Approval Process

SECTION 1. OVERVIEW OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGGING IN THE UNITED STATES

Archaeological excavation in the United States is a regulated process designed to safeguard cultural heritage, historic sites, Indigenous remains, and artifacts that contribute to understanding human history. Unlike recreational digging, legitimate excavation requires government approval, scientific justification, strict legal compliance, and adherence to professional standards.

Excavations may occur on federal, state, tribal, municipal, or private land, with requirements varying by ownership. Key laws include the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. No excavation can proceed legally until permits are approved, consultations are completed, and the plan demonstrates minimal impact on cultural resources.

Professional archaeology projects generally aim to:

• Identify historical or prehistorical activity

• Recover materials that reconstruct past behaviors or cultures

• Document findings using scientific methods

• Preserve site integrity

• Protect sensitive human remains and cultural materials

SECTION 2. STEP BY STEP APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CONDUCTING AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG

Step 1. Determine land ownership and jurisdiction. Identify who controls the land—federal, state, local, tribal, or private. Jurisdiction dictates applicable laws, permits, and approvals.

Step 2. Conduct background research. Gather existing information such as maps, prior excavation records, surveys, land use history, and tribal connections. This establishes eligibility for protection under cultural resource regulations.

Step 3. Determine permit requirements. Federal land requires permits under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. State land is managed by the state historic preservation office. Tribal land requires tribal approval. Private land requires landowner permission, with certain laws still applying.

Step 4. Prepare a research design. Include: A. Research goals B. Environmental background C. Cultural and historical summary D. Excavation methods E. Screening and sampling strategies F. Artifact conservation plans G. Documentation methods H. Worker safety procedures I. Expected outcomes J. Reporting and storage plans

Step 5. Contact the State Historic Preservation Office. Mandatory review ensures protection of historic resources.

Step 6. Conduct tribal consultation if required. Tribes review proposals, request protective measures, or object if sacred materials are involved.

Step 7. Prepare a permit application package. Include: A. Archaeologist qualifications B. Research design C. Maps and boundaries D. Landowner or agency permission E. Staff credentials F. Laboratory facilities G. Insurance documentation H. Fieldwork schedule I. Artifact curation plan

Step 8. Submit the application. Provide required formats and copies to the appropriate authority.

Step 9. Undergo review and revision. Agencies evaluate scientific justification, ethics, cultural impacts, and compliance. Revisions are common.

Step 10. Receive permit authorization. Approval may include restrictions such as excavation depth, seasonal limits, tribal monitors, or protected zones.

Step 11. Conduct a pre‑field meeting. Confirm boundaries, notification procedures, and emergency protocols with stakeholders.

Step 12. Begin excavation. Follow the approved research design. Document thoroughly with maps, notes, photographs, soil descriptions, and artifact catalogs.

Step 13. Notify authorities if human remains are found. Excavation halts immediately. Authorities and tribal representatives take control.

Step 14. Transport and curate artifacts legally. Artifacts must be curated in approved repositories. Personal ownership or sale is prohibited.

Step 15. Produce a final report. Include: A. Excavation results B. Laboratory analysis C. Artifact descriptions D. Maps and data tables E. Interpretations F. Site protection recommendations

SECTION 3. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS FOR A COMPLETE REPORT

• All workers must be supervised by a qualified archaeologist.

• Archaeologists must avoid unnecessary damage to site features.

• Excavation is destructive and cannot be reversed, so documentation must be precise.

• Ethical standards require respect for descendant communities, traditions, and site sensitivity.

• Artifacts belong to the landowner or government, not the archaeologist.

SECTION 4. MOCK APPLICATION QUESTIONS FOR AN ARCHAEOLOGY PERMIT

What is the full name and contact information of the principal investigator?

What academic and professional qualifications does the principal investigator possess? 

What is the exact legal description and coordinates of the excavation area? 

What is the purpose of the excavation and its research question? 

What previous work or surveys have been conducted at this location? 

Describe excavation methods, including unit size, depth, and screening. What measures will minimize site disturbance? 

What steps will be taken if human remains are encountered? 

Which tribes or descendant communities have been consulted? 

What is the proposed schedule for excavation, analysis, and reporting? 

What are the qualifications of the field crew? 

What laboratory facilities will process artifacts? 

What security measures will protect the site? 

What institution will curate artifacts and documentation? 

Does the project have financial resources for long‑term curation and reporting? 

Has the landowner or agency granted written permission? 

What environmental impacts may occur and how will they be mitigated? 

Provide maps or drawings of the project boundary. 

Provide a plan for dissemination of research results. Provide insurance information for personnel and equipment.

Ready to Get Started?  

Go to the Excavation Information and Reports module to begin the application process.