ACROBAT FOR BUSINESS | 10-MINUTE READ
What is a letter of authorization + free, downloadable template.
Simplify legal permissions with this letter of authorization template.
What is a letter of authorization?
A letter of authorization serves as a formal permission tool that delegates authority or power from one party to another. It allows the secondary party to perform crucial actions on the principal party’s behalf. The actions that an individual or an entity can carry out with a letter of authorization can range from financial transactions to making medical decisions.
Some examples of situations when you can use a letter of authorization include the following:
- Financial transactions. If you’re traveling to a different country and would like to designate someone to manage your bank account from your home country, you can issue a letter of authorization to an individual you trust, like your spouse. This letter of authorization will enable that person to handle bank withdrawals, deposits, and other permissions of your choice.
- Medical decisions. If you were going to undergo medical surgery, you could write a letter of authorization to authorize your spouse to make medical decisions on your behalf. These decisions can include surgical procedures or other treatments that your doctor may recommend.
A letter of authorization is only one example of official documents in the legal field. Letters of intent and affidavits also serve unique purposes in formal proceedings:
- A letter of intent is usually the first step in formalizing the negotiation process before two parties enter into a binding agreement. It’s different from a letter of authorization because it doesn’t grant permission to act on someone’s behalf, but it outlines an understanding between parties looking to engage in a contract.
- An affidavit, on the other hand, is a binding document used in legal proceedings that serves to present evidence or verify information under oath.
Formal documents, including a letter of authorization, require clear and specific information that must be understood by all parties involved. Starting with a template can help ensure all the necessary details are in place.
Free letter of authorization template.
Now that you understand what a letter of authorization is, you may want to learn how to write a letter of authorization if you need one. Use this free letter of authorization template.
You can use the following copy to guide you in creating your letter of authorization:
[Your name]
[Your address]
[City, state, zip code]
[Email address or phone number]
[Date]
[Recipient’s name]
[Recipient’s address]
[City, state, zip code]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I, [Your name], hereby authorize [Authorized person’s name] to act on my behalf from [Start date] to [End date] in regard to [situation]. This authorization includes the following powers or tasks:
- Task 1
- Task 2
- Any additional tasks
[Authorized person’s name] should have the authority to handle documents, make decisions, and undertake any necessary action related to the matters specified above within the written period.
For any verification or questions, you can reach me at [Your email address].
I thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
[Your name and signature]
View an example of how you can put the letter of authorization template to use.
Penny Lane
123 Yellow Brick Road
Washington, DC 20005
penny.lane@example.com
(123) 456-7890
March 28, 2024
Oz Community Credit Union
Customer Service Department
666 Rock Bottom
Washington, DC 20001
Dear customer service representative,
I, Penny Lane, residing at 123 Yellow Brick Road, Washington, DC 20005, hereby authorize Sky Walker, my cousin, to act on my behalf in dealing with all the matters related to my checking and savings account (#123456789) at Oz Community Credit Union from March 29, 2024 to March 29, 2025.
During this period of time, I grant Sky Walker permission to:
- Withdraw funds from my account to a limit of $6,000.
- Make deposits into the account.
- Request any account statements and transaction histories as she sees necessary.
- Communicate with bank representatives regarding account queries and questions.
This letter of authorization doesn’t allow Mrs. Walker to open or close any accounts in my name, apply for loans, or change the account’s beneficiary information.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter of authorization by contacting me via email at penny.lane@example.com.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Regards,
Penny Lane
5 steps to write a letter of authorization.
No matter why you need to use a letter of authorization — managing financial accounts, making medical decisions, or handling properties — this document is the perfect tool you’ll want to use to make your processes easier. However, writing a clear and concise letter can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with it and unsure about where to start. Here are five steps you can follow to craft one effectively.
1. Identify the parties involved.
Start by stating your name and address along with the name, address, and other relevant information of the individual you’re authorizing. This identification at the start of your letter sets a great foundation for the agreement as it clarifies who is involved and under what capacity.
2. Specify the authority granted.
Detail the specific actions the authorized person can perform. Try to be as clear and meticulous as possible to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
3. Define the duration of the agreement.
Include the start and end dates for the authorization. This step is important to ensure that the authority isn’t open-ended. If the authorization is for a single transaction, mention that explicitly.
4. Include any necessary details.
You might need to include additional information for the arrangement to be effective, but this step depends on the nature of the authorization. For example, this could be account numbers, specific conditions under which they can act, or limitations to the authority you grant the authorized individual.
5. Sign the document.
Lastly, both the person granting the authorization and the authorized individual should sign the document. It’s also often important to have the signatures notarized to add an extra layer of validity, especially if you need to authorize more significant transactions.
You can use Adobe Acrobat for business for all of the steps of the letter of authorization creation process, such as formatting, writing, editing, and signing the PDF.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I write a simple letter of authorization?
Here’s how you can draft different types of authorization letters:
- Start with your name and contact information at the top.
- Include the current date.
- Write the recipient’s name and contact information.
- Clearly state your name and that you’re writing to grant authorization to another individual or organization.
- In the body of your letter, identify the parties involved, specify the authority you’re granting, define the duration, and include any other necessary information.
- Sign the document where necessary using tools like the Acrobat fill and sign option.
How do you write a letter to allow someone to act on your behalf?
You can follow the instructions above, but focus on the body part of your letter to detail the different decisions or actions the authorized person can make, such as financial decisions, medical choices, or even handling house or administrative tasks.
If you want to make changes to your letter of authorization after downloading the file as a PDF, you can edit the PDF, fill in specific details, and sign digitally.
What is the format of an authorized person letter?
The format of a letter of authorization should include the sender’s information, a date, the recipient’s details, an introduction, the body of the letter containing the authorization details, and a signature.
What’s the difference between a letter of authorization and a power of attorney?
Both documents grant someone the ability to act on behalf of an individual, but there are key differences between them regarding scope, duration, and legal authority.
A letter of authorization is generally short-term and for a defined period of time. It should also be very specific in focus, as it grants permission to someone to perform a particular task. Lastly, a letter of authorization provides limited authority to the designated individual and doesn’t grant broad legal powers.
On the other hand, a power of attorney is usually more comprehensive. It allows an individual to grant another person the authority to make general decisions on their behalf, such as financial or medical decisions. These documents can be more durable and remain in effect even if the principal party becomes incapacitated.
How do you write an authorization letter to allow someone to collect documents?
To write a letter of authorization to allow someone to collect documents, you must include your name, the date, and your contact information. You’ll also need to add the recipient’s details and explicitly mention that you’re authorizing someone else to collect documents on your behalf.
Continue by clearly naming the person you’re authorizing, specifying the documents they’re authorized to collect, and mentioning any ID verification they’ll be required to provide. You should also include the validity period of the authorization.
How do I write a notarized letter of authorization?
You can follow these steps to write a notarized letter of authorization:
- Write the letter.
- Visit a notary public.
- Sign before the notary.
- Add the notary’s information.