General authorization letter document pack

Most of the time, you don't need a power of attorney. You need a one-page letter that says 'this person is allowed to do this one thing on my behalf.'

Who this pack is for

You need someone — a friend, family member, neighbor, attorney — to do something on your behalf, and the people they're dealing with want a written authorization. Maybe you're abroad and need someone to pick up a package at a USPS office. Maybe you're in the hospital and need a friend to sign for a delivery. Maybe you've authorized a coworker to attend a meeting in your place, or you've asked your accountant to request a tax transcript on your behalf, or you need to let your sister deal with a contractor at your house this week. The matter is specific, time-limited, and doesn't justify the gravity of a power of attorney — but the gatekeeper still wants something on paper.

When to use it

Use it for narrow, time-bounded matters: a single transaction, a specific date, a specific document or package, a single meeting. Sign it before the agent needs to use it; many recipients (banks, government offices, delivery services) want it presented at the moment of the action, not faxed in retroactively. Limit the scope as tightly as you reasonably can — 'pick up the package on July 14' is more enforceable and easier to accept than 'handle my affairs.' Set a clear expiration date; an authorization with no end date raises questions and may be refused as overbroad.

What it doesn't cover

This is a specific, limited authorization, not a power of attorney. It does not give the agent broad financial decision-making authority — they cannot move money between your accounts, sign contracts in your name beyond the scope, or make medical decisions for you. Banks, the IRS, healthcare providers, and DMVs typically will NOT accept this letter for matters that they normally require a formal power of attorney for; they'll demand the state's specific POA form. For real estate transactions, divorce proceedings, child custody, or any situation involving significant money or rights, use a properly notarized power of attorney drafted for that specific purpose. This letter is for the small stuff.

Common questions

What's the difference between this and a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a formal legal instrument that grants broad ongoing authority — financial, medical, or both — typically governed by state statute, often requiring notarization and witnesses, and recognized by banks and government agencies for major transactions. This authorization letter is a narrower, single-purpose grant for a specific task, not a substitute for a POA. Banks and the IRS will reject this letter for serious matters; use the proper POA form for anything that matters.

Should I notarize this?

Notarization is not required but it's a credibility upgrade. For matters where the recipient is a stranger to you (delivery services, government offices, healthcare records departments), notarization makes the letter much more likely to be accepted on the first try. For matters where the recipient knows you (a coworker, a regular vendor), an unnotarized signed letter is usually fine. UPS Stores and banks notarize for $5–$15.

What if the recipient won't accept the letter?

Recipients have discretion to require their own forms or formats. Banks, the IRS, the SSA, and most healthcare providers have specific forms they require — present those instead. Government offices may want their state's POA form. If the recipient is private (a delivery service, a school, a contractor), call ahead and ask what they need; some will only accept their own form. The letter in this pack is a generic standard that works for many small matters but is not universally accepted for sensitive transactions.

How specific should I be?

More specific is better for two reasons. First, recipients are more likely to accept a narrowly drafted letter ('to pick up the medical records for John Doe, DOB 1/1/1990, dated August 15, 2025') than a vague one ('to handle my affairs'). Second, narrow authorizations are harder for an agent to abuse. Name the task, the date or date range, the recipient if known, and any constraints (max dollar amount, specific account number, etc.).

Can the agent do anything else with the letter?

Only what the letter says. The pack's letter explicitly limits the agent to the scope you write. If the agent tries to use it for something else, the recipient should refuse. Risks of overbroad authorizations: someone uses your authorization to access something you didn't intend, then claims they thought it was covered. Tight scoping is the only protection here.

Can I revoke it?

Yes, at any time, by writing to whoever holds the letter (the agent, the recipient if applicable). The pack's letter automatically expires on the date you set, but you can revoke earlier if circumstances change. Send the revocation in writing — text, email, or letter — and ask the agent to return any copies.

Should the agent bring ID?

Yes — the pack's letter says they should present photo ID with the letter. Recipients want to verify the person presenting the letter is the person you named. Without ID, the letter is essentially anonymous and most recipients will refuse it. The agent should also bring contact info for you in case the recipient wants to verify by phone before acting.

Pike provides plain-language legal information, not legal advice. State and local rules change. If money, custody, or your housing is on the line, talk to a licensed attorney or your local legal aid office.