Metal Detecting Permission Letter: Free Template + What to Include

Getting landowner permission is the single most important thing in metal detecting. Without it, you're trespassing. With it, you're a welcome guest who might find something incredible. Here's how to ask, what to put in writing, and how to keep track of it all.

Why You Need Written Permission

• Verbal permission can be forgotten or denied later
• If the property changes hands, you have no proof the previous owner said yes
• In the UK, Treasure Act finds require you to prove you had permission to detect
• In many US states, having a written letter protects you if questioned by law enforcement
• It shows the landowner you're serious and responsible

What to Include in a Permission Letter

A good detecting permission letter should cover:

• Date — when permission was granted
• Your name and contact info
• Landowner's name and property address
• What you're allowed to do — metal detect, dig small plugs, use the land during specific hours
• What you'll do in return — fill all holes, show interesting finds, share a percentage (if agreed), leave the land as you found it
• Duration — is this a one-time visit or ongoing permission? Include an expiry date.
• Signatures — both parties sign and date

Free Template

How to Approach a Landowner

• Knock on the door — in person is always better than a phone call or letter
• Be honest — explain you're a hobbyist looking for old coins and relics
• Show your detector — people are curious, not threatened, when they see the equipment
• Offer to show finds — most landowners are fascinated by what's under their land
• Bring the letter ready — shows you're prepared and professional
• Accept “no” gracefully — some people will say no. Thank them and move on.

Tracking Your Permissions

Once you have a few permissions, keeping track of them becomes important. You need to know which sites are approved, which are expiring, and where the boundaries are. Some detectorists use spreadsheets. Others use sticky notes. Neither is great when you're standing in a field.

A dedicated permission tracker that stores site names, landowner details, expiry dates, boundary maps, and generates PDF letters when you need them is the practical solution.