An agent authorization letter gives legal authority to another individual to perform certain actions on your behalf. It may be useful when you’re unable to complete the actions yourself for various reasons, such as incapacity, absence, or another circumstance.
What Is an Agent Authorization Letter?
An agent authorization letter or approval letter is a written document granting a person authority to perform specific actions on your behalf. It grants that person legal authority to handle these specific matters or tasks when you cannot do so for some reason, allowing you to accomplish a certain task.
This letter is usually necessary for the third party to handle your affairs. It provides adequate proof that they have your permission and the legal authority to take action in your stead. Many institutions, such as banks or credit unions, will not permit a third party to act for you without this document.
The Parties Involved
When you write this letter, you typically include the following three parties:
- First Party: The first party is the person or business granting authority to the third party.
- Second Party: The second party is an individual or business linked to the first party.
- Third Party: The third party is the person or business receiving authority from the first party. The third party acts on behalf of the first party with their full legal permission to the degree that the authorization letter allows.
Agent Authorization Letter vs. Power of Attorney
Scope of Authority:
- Power of Attorney grants broad authority, allowing the agent to handle various matters, such as finances, property, or healthcare.
- Agent Authorization Letter focuses on a specific task or event, giving the agent limited power in a particular situation.
Lifespan of the Document:
- Power of Attorney can be durable (it remains valid even if you become incapacitated) or springing (it becomes active only upon incapacity).
- Agent Authorization Letter has a shorter lifespan, expiring after a specific event or action by the agent.
Purpose:
- Power of Attorney can be open-ended and may extend where you might be unable to make decisions yourself.
- Agent Authorization Letter is ideal for granting temporary or one-time permission for a specific task.
Key Elements of an Agent Authorization Letter
Explore some of the key elements in an agent authorization letter:
- Dates: The date you’re writing the letter and the dates you’re granting the authority.
- Authorization Statement: A proclamation that you’re giving powers to a certain individual.
- Specific Limitations and Instructions: Provide a more detailed explanation of the powers you’re granting and any restrictions or special instructions you want the recipient to follow.
- Signature: Your signature as the authorizing party.
When Do You Need an Agent Authorization Letter?
An agent authorization letter makes it easy to give someone else the power to do something for you. Some examples of when to use an agent authority letter include when you want someone to do the following actions on your behalf:
- Pick up a passport.
- Handle your banking activities, investments, or other financial decisions.
- Authorize healthcare workers to perform dedicated actions.
- Receive your medical records.
- Pick up your personal property.
- Permit a child to go on a field trip or travel without a guardian.
- Release private information regarding drug treatment or rehabilitation.
- Grant publication or copyright access to external parties.
These are just a few examples to help you understand the importance of an authorization letter. If you need someone to help you or help someone else, a letter of authorization can make it possible.
Types of Agent Authorization Letters
While you can use an agent authorization letter to approve certain tasks, these letters may fall into particular categories:
- Business Authorization Letter: Grant someone the power to handle business matters while you’re away.
- Travel Authorization Letter: Authorize someone to make travel arrangements on your behalf or for someone who can’t travel independently (like a minor or an elderly individual).
- Medical Authorization Letter: Give your agent authority to conduct specific tasks related to your healthcare.
- Financial Authorization Letter: Let you handle personal financial matters when you’re available.
- Childcare Authorization Letter: Allow you to authorize someone to care for your child while you’re away.
How to Write an Agent Authorization Letter
Step 1 – Include Each Party’s Contact Details
Your authorization letter should list the contact information for each party within your letter. This contact information should include:
- Names and titles
- Business information, if applicable
- Physical addresses
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
Step 2 – Grant Authority
The body of your agent authorization letter should define the specific authority you want to give. For example, it may authorize John Doe to withdraw a specific amount from a particular bank account.
Be as specific as possible so that anyone reading the letter understands what this person has the right to do.
Step 3 – Set Limitations of Authority
Your agent authorization letter should also set the boundaries of the granted authority. For example, you may want to specify an end date or a frequency for the authority.
Step 4 – Specify the Reason for the Agent Authorization Letter
Include why you’re granting this power to another person. Specify if it is because you are out of town, temporarily incapacitated, or any other reason you have for giving your authority to another person. Consider including other documents to show your need to grant an agent to act on your behalf.
Step 5 – Conclude and Sign the Letter
Finish up your letter with a conclusion before signing and printing your name. It is helpful to both print and sign your name so that it is clear to any person who receives it. You should also consider having your signature notarized, whether it’s legally required or not.
Agent Authorization Letter Sample
Download an agent authorization letter template below in PDF or Word format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an agent authorization letter the same as a consent form?
No, an agent authorization letter is not the same as a consent form. A consent form permits certain disclosures of information, such as in a HIPAA consent form. An agent authorization letter grants greater legal authority for one person to act on another’s behalf.
How do I authorize someone to act on my behalf?
The best way to authorize another person to act on your behalf is with an agent authorization letter template. You can use our sample or build your own with our template builder.
Do authorization letters need to be notarized?
Many states or institutions require that a letter of authorization be notarized. However, these are not powers of attorney, and you may not have to notarize your letter for it to be effective. However, notarizing your authorization letter to increase its legitimacy is still good practice.