Hobby License Application
The application form includes a legal contract between the licensee and the Institute. Please read all the information provided in the application packet before signing the license contract. By signing these documents, the license applicant agrees to file timely reports with the Institute and South Carolina State Museum on a quarterly basis and abide by all state laws and Institute regulations. Once the forms are completed, signed and witnessed, mail them to the address provided on the form along with a check or money order (made out to USC) for the appropriate license fee - DO NOT MAIL CASH. To avoid unnecessary delay, make sure the forms are completed and signed before you mail them to us. ALLOW 2-4 WEEKS FROM RECEIPT OF YOUR APPLICATION FOR PROCESSING.
All license applications are processed in the order in which they are received and each license will be mailed to the address provided by the applicant. During peak dive season (April-October) make sure to plan ahead and submit your application a minimum of 4 weeks prior to any submerged collection activity to ensure timely turnaround. In fairness to all pending applicants, we are unable to process last-minute applications ahead of individuals who are already awaiting a license; Institute staff will not respond to special requests for expedited licensing. If you have not received your new license 4 weeks after mailing the application, feel free to contact us at mrd@sc.edu to inquire about the status.
Hobby License Renewal Application
If your license has expired or will expire soon, and you have abided by all state laws and Institute regulations during your current or previous license term, you will have the option to renew it. Please note that we are unable to renew your license unless ALL of your Artifact Reports and Fossil Report forms from the previous term have been properly filed with the Institute (for artifacts) and State Museum (for fossils). Once your renewal application forms are completed and signed, mail them to the address provided on the form along with a check or money order (made out to USC) for the appropriate license renewal fee - DO NOT MAIL CASH. To avoid any unnecessary delays, please make sure the forms are completed and signed before you mail them to us. ALLOW 2-4 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING.
All license applications are processed in the order in which they are received and will be mailed to the address provided by the applicant. During peak dive season (April-October) make sure to submit your renewal application a minimum of 4 weeks prior to expiration of the current license term to ensure timely turnaround. Processing times for renewals are largely dependent on an individual's report status from their prior license periods(s) - missing or incomplete reports from a previous license term will result in a processing delay and/or rejection of the renewal application. To check your Artifact Report status prior to mailing your application, you may view your Artifact Report history online by logging in to the Hobby License Online Filing System. To check your Fossil Report status prior to mailing your application, please contact SC State Museum Curator of Natural History Dave Cicimurri at dave.cicimurri@scmuseum.org. PLEASE NOTE: If you failed to properly file Artifact and/or Fossil Reports in a timely manner during a previous license term, your license is not eligible for renewal on a 2-year term. Licensees who have missed report deadlines may become eligible to obtain a one-time Provisional 6-month Permit renewal only after all outstanding reports are submitted and approved. For any other questions about renewal of your Hobby License, you may email us at mrd@sc.edu.
Artifact Report Form
Artifact Reports are due quarterly (January 10th, April 10th, July 10th, October 10th) and should be filed online using our online reporting system. If you are unable to file using the online reporting system, you may submit this physical form via email or you may mail it to the address found on the bottom of the form. Reports should be filled out for each dive and specify where and what was collected in detail. Please remember Artifact Reports are still due even if you are not diving/collecting. Just tick the box indicating "No recoveries made this quarter" on the report forms. If you do not file your reports, we will be unable to renew your license. If reports are continuously not filed within the proper time period, your license may be revoked. If you have questions about your Artifact Reports, please contact us via email at mrd@sc.edu.
Fossil Report Form
Fossil Report forms are due quarterly at the same time as Artifact Report forms. These forms should be submitted through the new online reporting system alongside artifact reports. Reports should be filled out for each dive and specify where and what was collected in detail. Please remember Fossil Reports are still due even if you are not diving/collecting. Just tick the box indicating "No recoveries made this quarter" on the report forms. If you do not file these reports, we will be unable to renew your license. If reports are continuously not filed within the proper time period, your license may be revoked. If you have questions about your Fossil Reports, please contact SC State Museum Curator of Natural History Dave Cicimurri at dave.cicimurri@scmuseum.org.
Download by clicking the links above or select the form you need from those listed here:
Hobby License Application Forms