Baltimore City Metal Detecting Permit
The Maryland Free-State Treasure Club can provide the necessary Baltimore City Metal Detecting Permit Application certification for those who have demonstrated proper digging techniques.
PERMITS ON HOLD … Until further notice!
Baltimore City Permit Application
Complete online permit process for Baltimore City available here …
- PDF Download Baltimore City Online Process
- PDF Download Baltimore City permit Updated 1/1/2024
- Before we certify your Baltimore City Metal Detecting Permit Application, you must demonstrate to us the ability to dig a six-inch hole in the turf outside using a digging tool (we will provide one) and correctly repair it, leaving no trace. For proper target recovery techniques click for tips!
- Print and complete the Baltimore City Metal Detecting Permit Application and read the rules associated with it.
- Have your application certified by a Maryland Free-State Treasure Club officer. This involves stamping and signing the application at our meetings or monthly outings.
- Obtain a $25 money order payable to “Director of Finance” or use a Credit/Debit Card and keep it with your application. They do not accept personal checks. Where does the money go? It goes directly to the Parks! NOT the city coffers.
- Bring or mail the application to:
Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks Permit Office 3201 Boston St Baltimore, MD 21224. (one story building on the water - knock if door is locked) Phone: 410-396-7070.
The office is CLOSED Thursday - Open Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday 9am-4pm.
- If you mail the application and money order, keep a receipt of your money order with you while metal detecting to show that you’ve paid your money. Snail Mail can be slow. See PDF for more information on paying with a Credit/Debit Card.
- Renewals: One need only submit a previous Baltimore City Metal Detecting Permit and a money order for $25 made out to “Director of Finance” to obtain a continuation. The money goes to the parks regardless of the payee. See PDF for more information on paying with a Credit/Debit Card.
- Commonly asked questions:
No. The permit is good for one year from the time you get it, and renewable thereafter.
Things have changed. You now have to renew yearly.
The use of metal detectors is not permitted at the following locations:
- Municipal golf courses
- Athletic areas
- Carroll Park
- Cylburn Park
- Federal Hill Park
- Mt. Vernon Square: North boundary - Madison St.; South - Center St.; East - St.Paul St.; West - Cathedral St.
- Preston Gardens: North boundary - Center St.; South - Saratoga St.;East - St. Paul St.; West - St. Paul Place.
- Inner Harbor Area: North boundary - Pratt St.; South - Key Hwy;West - Light St.
- Hopkins Plaza: North boundary - Baltimore St. ; South - Lombard St.; East - Charles St.; West - Hopkins Place.
- #1 Charles Plaza: North boundary - Lexington St.; South - Fayette St.; East - Charles St.; West - Liberty St.
- City Hall Plaza: North boundary - Lexington St.; South - Fayette St.; East - Gay St.; West - Holiday St.
- Patterson Park
* Before MFSTC can certify your Baltimore City Metal Detecting Permit Application, you must demonstrate (in person) to us the ability to dig a six-inch hole in the turf outside using a digging tool (we will provide one) and correctly repair it, leaving no trace!