Authorization Letter

An authorization letter fails for one of two reasons: it is too vague for the organization to accept, or too broad for you to be comfortable with. This template fixes both by forcing the scope. It names one person, one task, a start and end date, an explicit statement of what is not authorized, and the identification the representative will present. Note that this is not a power of attorney and will not be accepted where one is required.

What this template is for

A draft built around the details you need

Use this for a specific administrative task — collecting documents, submitting a form, asking an account question — where a written authorization is accepted.

This is not a power of attorney and does not authorize financial, legal, medical, or property decisions. Many organizations require their own consent form, identity verification, or notarization. Banks and government offices frequently will not accept a letter at all.

How to use it

Name one person and describe one task. Two tasks means two letters.
Set a start and end date. An open-ended authorization is the one that gets misused.
Add the identification your representative will bring.
Call the organization first and ask what they accept. Many require their own consent form.

Make your own

Fill in your details, then download a PDF or an editable Word file.

Your name *Use the name you want shown on the document.Your addressOptional, but useful for formal letters.Your emailOptional contact line for the closing.Letter date *Authorized person *Organization/person receiving letter *Task/action authorized *One task, described precisely.What is NOT authorizedExample: may collect the documents but may not change the account or request new services.Valid fromValid toFile/account reference (optional)Include the minimum the recipient needs. Avoid full account or ID numbers where a partial reference will do.Identification your representative will presentExample: provincial photo ID in their own name.Contact information

Your name is required.
Authorized person is required.
Organization/person receiving letter is required.
Task/action authorized is required.

Common questions

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

No. A power of attorney is a legal instrument with formal signing requirements that can grant broad authority over finances or property. An authorization letter is an informal permission for one narrow task, and it carries no legal weight where a power of attorney is required.

Will my bank accept one?

Usually not. Financial institutions almost always require their own third-party authorization form completed in branch, precisely because a letter is easy to forge. Call first rather than sending someone to be turned away.

Why include a section on what is not authorized?

Because a letter that says only what someone may do leaves the boundary to their judgment and the clerk's. Writing the limit protects you and gives the organization a clear line to enforce.

Does it need to be witnessed or notarized?

Not usually for routine tasks, but some organizations require notarization and some require the letter to be signed in their presence. Ask before you pay a notary.

How this template is maintained

Last reviewed: August 6, 2026
Reviewed by: Thomas TremblayFounder and editor, Canooq

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