Electronic Submission of Certification Applications

Application Process

• Application Process
• Certification Application
• Documentation Requirements
• Application Fees
• Preliminary Consultations
• Appeal Process

Technical Preservation Services, NPS transitioned to all-electronic submission and review of Historic Preservation Certification Applications on August 15, 2023.

Since that date, TPS has accepted hard-copy applications that were submitted to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) prior to that date. The last day that NPS will accept pre-August 15, 2023, hard-copy applications forwarded by SHPOs is May 31, 2024. As of June 1, 2024, all applications forwarded by SHPOs to the NPS must be in the electronic format.

If an applicant has an active hard-copy application (submitted to a SHPO prior to August 15, 2023) still in process in a SHPO (e.g., on hold for additional information or changes to bring the project into conformance with the Standards), the applicant will need to provide an electronic copy of the application to the SHPO in order for it to be forwarded to the NPS on and after June 1, 2024.

 

All applications must use the current application forms and instructions dated "Rev. 6/2023".

All applications must follow the NPS file- and photo-naming conventions and instructions on organizing files for electronic submission. The naming conventions and instructions are provided in a PDF format for easy dowload and reference.

• Applicant and Project Contact Electronic Submission Workflow
• Electronic File Format Standards and File Naming Conventions (updated April 3, 2024, with additional information on naming conventions)
• Photo Naming Conventions, JPEG Requirements and Photo Sheet Examples
• Transmittal Log Examples

• Responding to NPS Holds and Uploading Files to the HPCA Submission Site

Applicants must sign the application cover sheet electronically. Three types of electronic signatures (e-signatures) are accepted:

1. a scanned PDF of an actual, original wet-signed application,
2. a scanned or digitized version of an actual, original handwritten signature, and
3. a digital signature using a digital ID (e.g., using Adobe software). A name typed in a different font and other types of generated signature images are not accepted.

Applicants are not required to resubmit applications electronically if the application was submitted to the SHPO or the NPS prior to August 15, and review of the application is still in process. For example, if an application was submitted prior to August 15 and later put on hold for more information, and the applicant submits the additional information now, the additional information must be in the electronic format. The original application and submittals will remain hard copy, but any material submitted after August 15 must be in electronic format.

Please note that each SHPO has their own process for the submission of electronic applications to their office. Please check the SHPO website or contact the SHPO for information on their electronic submittal process.

Questions about the electronic submission process should be addressed to the State Historic Preservation Office or [e-mail].