Authorization Letter
  16 March 2004

Authorization letter is mainly for legal purposes. For instance, when you cannot collect some important document by yourself and send a representative, you need to issue your representative with an authorization letter. All it says is that the person can act on your behalf, whatever the business is.

Imagine you are applying for a visa and using a visa and passport agency. You will need to sign a letter of authorization. A standard phrase to use is


'I authorize …… (name of person or agency) to submit my application to…… (the organization, such as the U.S. Embassy) and to collect my passport on my behalf.'

'This letter entitles …… (name of person or agency) to enter my residence and move my property to the new premise at the address given below.'

I, … (your name) hereby authorize ABC hospital to release medical information form my personal medical records to … (name).

I give my permission for my research to be used for educational purposes
.

This kind of letter is very short. In many cases, one sentence is sufficient. The most important thing is for you to sign and date the letter.