Authorisation letters are used to give someone else permission to act on your behalf. Whether you’re giving permission for someone to pick up a package, sign a document, or access information, it’s important to get the details right. In this article, we’ll provide tips for writing an effective authorisation letter and offer several sample letters that you can use as a template.
Guide to Writing an Effective Authorisation Letter
An authorisation letter should be clear, concise, and provide all the necessary information. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Start with a Title
Before you begin writing your letter, it’s a good idea to give it a clear title that reflects its purpose. For example:
- Authorisation Letter to Pick Up Package
- Authorisation Letter for Bank Account Access
- Authorisation Letter for Medical Treatment
2. Explain Your Request Clearly
In the body of your letter, be sure to explain what you’re authorising the other person to do and why. Include any relevant dates, times, or other details. You should also include your own contact information and the contact information of the person you’re authorising.
For example:
Authorisation Letter to Pick Up Package
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to authorise my friend, John Smith, to pick up a package on my behalf. The package contains important documents that I need for an upcoming meeting. The package is located at the post office at 123 Main Street, and John will be picking it up on Wednesday, June 30th at 2:00 pm.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that John needs to take in order to pick up the package.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Offer Examples for Your Readers
It can be helpful to offer some examples of authorisation letters that your readers can use as a starting point. Below, we’ve provided several sample letters for different situations.
Sample Authorisation Letter Templates
Here are seven sample authorisation letters that you can use as a template for your own letter:
Authorisation Letter to Collect Passport
Dear Consular Officer,
I am writing to authorise my brother, Ahmed Khan, to collect my passport from the consulate. I am currently out of the country and will not be able to return before the expiry of the passport. Ahmed will be collecting the passport on my behalf on July 15th, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that Ahmed needs to take in order to collect the passport.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Authorisation Letter for Bank Account Access
Dear Bank Manager,
I am writing to authorise my wife, Sarah Jones, to access my bank account. I will be out of the country for the next few months and need Sarah to be able to manage my finances in my absence.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that Sarah needs to take in order to access the account.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Authorisation Letter for Medical Treatment
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to authorise my friend, Jane Smith, to make medical decisions on my behalf. I will be undergoing surgery on July 1st and will be unable to make decisions for myself during that time.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that Jane needs to take in order to make medical decisions on my behalf.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Authorisation Letter for Child Care
Dear School Administrator,
I am writing to authorise my sister, Mary Johnson, to pick up my daughter, Emily, from school. I will be out of town on business on June 30th and will not be able to pick up Emily myself.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that Mary needs to take in order to pick up Emily from school.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Authorisation Letter for Property Sale
Dear Real Estate Agent,
I am writing to authorise my lawyer, John Doe, to sign the necessary documents for the sale of my property at 123 Main Street. I am currently out of the country and will not be able to sign the documents myself.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that John needs to take in order to sign the documents on my behalf.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Authorisation Letter to Release Medical Records
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to authorise my doctor, Dr. Jane Smith, to release my medical records to my insurance company. The insurance company has requested the records in order to process my claim.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that Dr. Smith needs to take in order to release the records.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Authorisation Letter for Vehicle Transfer
Dear DMV Agent,
I am writing to authorise my daughter, Sarah Johnson, to transfer ownership of my vehicle to herself. The vehicle is registered in my name, but I am unable to make it to the DMV in person to complete the transfer.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps that Sarah needs to take in order to complete the transfer.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write an authorisation letter?
To write an authorisation letter, start by giving it a clear title that reflects its purpose. Explain your request clearly in the body of the letter, including any relevant details. Offer examples for your readers to use as a starting point. Finally, sign the letter and provide your contact information.
What should be included in an authorisation letter?
An authorisation letter should include a clear explanation of what the other person is authorised to do and why. It should also include any relevant dates, times, or other details. Finally, it should be signed and include your contact information.
Do I need to have an authorisation letter notarised?
It depends on the situation. Some organisations may require a notarised authorisation letter in order to verify your identity and ensure that the letter is legitimate. Check with the organisation to see what their requirements are.
Can an authorisation letter be revoked?
Yes, you can revoke an authorisation letter at any time by writing a new letter that explicitly revokes the previous one. Be sure to provide a copy of the revocation letter to anyone who was given the original authorisation.
Can I use an authorisation letter for multiple purposes?
No, an authorisation letter should be specific to a single purpose. If you need to authorise someone to do multiple things, you should write a separate letter for each purpose.
Can I send an authorisation letter via email?
Yes, you can send an authorisation letter via email. However, it’s a good idea to follow up with a physical copy of the letter, especially if it’s a legal or formal document.
How long should an authorisation letter be valid for?
An authorisation letter should specify a date or time period for which it is valid. If no time period is specified, the letter is generally considered to be valid for a reasonable amount of time based on the circumstances.
Conclusion
An authorisation letter is an important document that can help you give someone else permission to act on your behalf. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write an effective authorisation letter that meets your needs and protects your interests.