Metal detecting permission agreement
A template to print and fill in
On private land, a detectorist needs the landowner's permission before the search begins. That permission can be verbal, but a short written agreement is a good idea: it protects you both and keeps things clear. Here is a simple template you can print and fill in by hand — free and with no sign-up. It is not a legal requirement and not legal advice, just a practical starting point you can adapt.
Press Ctrl + P (or ⌘ + P on a Mac) to print the page or save it as a PDF.
Metal detecting permission agreement
Landowner
Name
Address or parcel number
Phone or email
Detectorist
Name
Phone or email
The agreement covers
Fields or area
Period
The detectorist agrees to
- search only the agreed fields and only within the agreed period;
- fill in every hole and leave the ground as it was found;
- stay away from scheduled monuments and other protected zones;
- search only the ploughsoil and dig no deeper;
- respect crops, animals, fences and anyone else on the land;
- register relevant finds in DIME, and hand any find that may be treasure to the local museum under the applicable rules.
The landowner confirms
- granting permission to search on the agreed terms;
- that this permission can be withdrawn at any time.
Ordinary detector finds in the ploughsoil generally cost the landowner nothing. A find that may be treasure is handed to the local museum for assessment; treasure belongs to the state under the applicable law.
Date
Landowner's signature
Detectorist's signature
Made by Muld — a metal-detecting app for Denmark · muld.dev
How to use it
Print the template, or save it as a PDF, and fill it in together with the landowner — one copy each. To understand what you are really asking a landowner for, read our guide for landowners. And if you are unsure about the rules, see our full guide to the rules for metal detecting in Denmark.
Keep track of your permissions with Muld
Save each field, note who you've asked, and see your permissions on the map — alongside parcel boundaries, LiDAR terrain and protected zones in one focused detecting app for Denmark. The core app is free.