Letter of Authorization: 8 Samples for Various Situations

What is a Letter of Authorization?

A letter of authorization (LOA) is a formal document that grants someone the permission to act on your behalf in a specific capacity. It outlines the scope of their authority, the duration for which it’s valid, and any specific limitations. These letters are crucial for scenarios where you can’t personally handle a task but need someone else to represent your interests. The key is to be clear, concise, and comprehensive, leaving no room for ambiguity. Examples include authorizing someone to pick up packages, handle banking transactions, or represent you in legal matters.

Why Use a Letter of Authorization?

LOAs provide documented proof of delegated authority, preventing misunderstandings and potential disputes. They’re valuable for protecting your interests and ensuring smooth transactions when you can’t be present. Without a clear letter, institutions or individuals may refuse to acknowledge someone’s authority, leading to delays and complications. By using a well-written LOA, you establish trust and legitimacy, allowing your representative to act efficiently and effectively. This article provides 8 diverse examples to help you craft the perfect authorization letter for your specific needs.

8 Sample Letters of Authorization

Below are 8 different sample letters of authorization to cover a variety of scenarios. Adapt them to suit your specific needs, remembering to include your complete contact information, the authorized person’s details, and a clear statement of the powers you are granting.

Sample 1: General Authorization Letter

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>

          <i>[Your Phone Number]</i>

          <i>[Your Email Address]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Recipient Name/Organization]</i>

          <i>[Recipient Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Letter of Authorization</strong>


          Dear <i>[Recipient Name]</i>,


          I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, hereby authorize <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, residing at <i>[Authorized Person's Address]</i>, to act on my behalf for <i>[Specific Purpose]</i>.  This authorization is valid from <i>[Start Date]</i> to <i>[End Date]</i>.


          <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i> is authorized to <i>[Specific Actions They Are Authorized To Do]</i>.


          Please contact me at the above number should you have any questions.


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>
        
      

Sample 2: Authorization to Pick Up a Package

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>

          <i>[Your Phone Number]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Shipping Company Name]</i>

          <i>[Shipping Company Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Authorization for Package Pickup</strong>


          To Whom It May Concern:


          I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, authorize <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, to pick up a package addressed to me with tracking number <i>[Tracking Number]</i>.  <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i> will present their government issued photo identification at the time of pickup.


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>
        
      

Sample 3: Medical Records Authorization

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>

          <i>[Your Date of Birth]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Healthcare Provider's Name]</i>

          <i>[Healthcare Provider's Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Medical Records Release Authorization</strong>


          Dear <i>[Healthcare Provider's Name]</i>,


          I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, hereby authorize the release of my medical records to <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, residing at <i>[Authorized Person's Address]</i>.  This authorization pertains to records from <i>[Start Date]</i> to <i>[End Date]</i> (or all records).


          <i>[Optional: Specify the types of records to be released, e.g., consultation notes, lab results, etc.]</i>


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>
        
      

Sample 4: Banking Authorization Letter

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>

          <i>[Your Account Number]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Bank Name]</i>

          <i>[Bank Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Authorization for Banking Transactions</strong>


          To Whom It May Concern:


          I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, authorize <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, to perform the following transactions on my account (Account Number: <i>[Your Account Number]</i>):


          <i>[List Specific Transactions: e.g., Deposit funds, Withdraw funds up to $X, Check account balance]</i>


          This authorization is valid from <i>[Start Date]</i> to <i>[End Date]</i>.


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>
        
      

Sample 5: Authorization for Travel Visa Application

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>

          <i>[Your Passport Number]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Consulate/Embassy Name]</i>

          <i>[Consulate/Embassy Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Authorization for Visa Application on Behalf of [Applicant's Name]</strong>


          To Whom It May Concern:


          I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, the <i>[Relationship to Applicant, e.g., parent, guardian, spouse]</i> of <i>[Applicant's Name]</i>, hereby authorize them to use my financial and travel documents as part of their visa application to <i>[Country]</i>.


          I confirm that I am financially responsible for <i>[Applicant's Name]</i> during their stay in <i>[Country]</i>.  Copies of my passport and bank statements are attached for your review.


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>
        
      

Sample 6: Authorization to Represent in a Meeting

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Title]</i>

          <i>[Your Company Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Recipient Name (Meeting Organizer)]</i>

          <i>[Recipient Title]</i>

          <i>[Recipient Company Name]</i>

          <i>[Recipient Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Authorization to Represent [Your Company] at Meeting</strong>


          Dear <i>[Recipient Name]</i>,


          This letter serves as authorization for <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, <i>[Authorized Person's Title]</i> at <i>[Your Company Name]</i>, to represent our company at the meeting scheduled for <i>[Date and Time of Meeting]</i> regarding <i>[Subject of Meeting]</i>.


          <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i> is fully authorized to discuss and make decisions on behalf of <i>[Your Company Name]</i> regarding the above-mentioned subject.


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>
        
      

Sample 7: Power of Attorney (Limited)

        
          <i><strong>[IMPORTANT:  This is a limited power of attorney sample.  Consult with an attorney for legally binding documents.]</strong></i>


          <strong>Limited Power of Attorney</strong>


          Know all men by these presents, that I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, residing at <i>[Your Address]</i> (hereinafter referred to as "Principal"), do hereby make, constitute, and appoint <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, residing at <i>[Authorized Person's Address]</i> (hereinafter referred to as "Attorney-in-Fact"), my true and lawful attorney-in-fact for me and in my name, place, and stead, to do and perform the following acts:


          <i>[Specifically list the powers granted to the Attorney-in-Fact. Be very clear and limited in scope.]  For example:  "To sell my property located at [Property Address]. To endorse checks made payable to me relating to the sale of said property. To sign all documents necessary to complete the sale."</i>


          This Limited Power of Attorney shall be effective from <i>[Start Date]</i> and shall terminate on <i>[End Date]</i>.


          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this <i>[Day]</i> day of <i>[Month]</i>, <i>[Year]</i>.


          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>


          <strong>State of [State]</strong>

          <strong>County of [County]</strong>


          On this <i>[Day]</i> day of <i>[Month]</i>, <i>[Year]</i>, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared <i>[Your Name]</i>, personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same in his/her capacity, and that by his/her signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person upon behalf of which the individual acted, executed the instrument.


          <i>[Notary Signature]</i>

          <i>[Notary Public Printed Name and Seal]</i>
        
      

Sample 8: Authorization to Collect Documents

        
          <i>[Your Name]</i>

          <i>[Your Address]</i>

          <i>[Your Phone Number]</i>


          <i>[Date]</i>


          <i>[Organization Holding Documents]</i>

          <i>[Organization Address]</i>


          <strong>Subject: Authorization to Collect Documents on My Behalf</strong>


          To Whom It May Concern:


          I, <i>[Your Name]</i>, hereby authorize <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i>, residing at <i>[Authorized Person's Address]</i>, to collect the following documents on my behalf:


          <i>[Specify the Documents: e.g., My diploma, Transcript, Passport copy, etc.]</i>


          <i>[Authorized Person's Name]</i> will present a copy of their identification for verification.


          Sincerely,

          <i>[Your Signature]</i>

          <i>[Your Typed Name]</i>