The Letter Pilot

Authorization Letter Template

Updated September 6, 2026 | Legal

Give someone permission to complete a specific task on your behalf.

Use this template

Before you start

Name the person you authorize, say exactly what they can do, and give a date or short date range. Sign the letter and check that the receiving office accepts it. Use the template below, then see the examples for collecting or submitting documents.

When this authorization letter can help

  • You need someone to collect specified documents from an office that accepts written permission.
  • Someone will submit paperwork for you, without signing or changing it.
  • An organization has asked for a signed letter naming the person and the task you authorize.

Authorization Letter Template

Replace the bracketed details with your own. Copy or download the letter to edit it.

[Your Name] [Your Mailing Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email or Phone] [Date] [Recipient or Office Name] [Mailing Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Re: Authorization for [Specific Task] Dear [Recipient or Office Name]: I, [Your Full Name], authorize [Authorized Person’s Full Name] to [Describe the Specific Task] on my behalf. This permission applies only to [Name the Documents, Items, or Reference Number]. It is valid from [Start Date] through [End Date]. This authorization is limited to the task described above. It does not grant permission to take other actions on my behalf. Please contact me at [Your Email or Phone] if you need to confirm this authorization. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

Need to mail this with tracking? The Letter Pilot handles postage, tracking, and Certified Mail options online.

How to write an authorization letter

  1. Check the office’s requirements. Ask whether it accepts a letter or requires its own form. Confirm signature, identification, notarization, and delivery requirements before sending anything.
  2. Name the person and the exact task. Use full names. Say “collect my completed documents” or “submit the attached application,” rather than giving broad permission to handle all matters.
  3. Set the limits and dates. Identify the documents or items and the date range. For a one-time pickup, use the same start and end date. Remove unused placeholders.
  4. Sign and keep a copy. Follow the recipient’s signing and submission instructions. Keep the completed letter for your records and give the authorized person the information needed for the task.

Before you share the letter

  • - Do not include a date of birth, full ID number, or ID copy by default. Provide sensitive information only when the recipient requires it, using its approved method.
  • - A letter for collecting documents does not also give permission to sign contracts, access accounts, or make decisions.
  • - If requirements are unclear, contact the receiving office before sending your representative.

Authorization Letter Template FAQ

What is a sample letter giving permission on my behalf?

Fictional example: “I, Alex Morgan, authorize Jordan Lee to collect my completed enrollment documents from the admissions office on September 15, 2026. This permission is limited to collecting those documents. Please contact me using the details above if you need confirmation.” Add your real names, recipient, contact details, date, and signature.

How do I authorize someone to collect documents?

Specify the documents and the office holding them. Example wording: “I authorize [Name] to collect [Document Names], reference [Number], from [Office] on [Date].” Check the office’s identification and collection rules; a general letter is not accepted everywhere.

Can someone submit documents on my behalf?

Ask the receiving office first. If it accepts written authorization, you can say: “I authorize [Name] to submit my completed [Application or Documents] to [Office] on [Date]. This does not authorize them to sign or change the documents.”

Does this letter need to be notarized?

There is no single answer for every task or location. Follow the receiving organization’s requirements and any applicable legal rules. Do not add a generic notary block unless it is needed and appropriate for the document.

Is an authorization letter the same as a power of attorney?

Do not treat this template as a substitute for a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document and can grant limited or broader authority. For financial, healthcare, or legal decisions, ask the recipient what documentation is required and get qualified advice where needed.

Can I use this to let someone pick up USPS mail?

USPS has its own pickup and identification instructions. For eligible mail, it describes written authorization on the delivery notice or signed plain paper. Check the USPS instructions linked below for your mailpiece, including any restrictions, rather than assuming this template is sufficient.

How long should the authorization last?

Choose dates that cover the specific task. For a one-time pickup, a single date may be enough if the office accepts it. Check how to cancel or change the permission with the recipient if your plans change.

Note: For legal, financial, or healthcare matters, consult an attorney about whether a more formal power of attorney is needed.

Related Templates & Guides

USPS: authorizing someone to pick up mail

Check the postal authorization and identification instructions.

CFPB: what a power of attorney does

Understand why a general permission letter is not a substitute.

How to address an envelope

Use the correct address if the recipient asks for a mailed letter.

Ready to mail the final letter?

Customize this template, then continue to online mailing with tracking.