Two short documents come up in almost everyone's life: a letter that lets someone act on your behalf, and an application to take time off. Both are easy, and both get rejected for the same reason: missing details. Here is what each one needs.

Authorization letter

An authorization letter says: "I, [name], allow [person] to do [specific task] for me." It is used to collect a parcel, a certificate or a cheque, to submit documents at a government or bank office, or to attend a meeting when you cannot be present.

What to include

• Your full name, address and an ID reference (the last digits only, do not write full ID numbers where it is not required).
• The authorised person's full name and relationship to you.
• The exact task and the office or organisation concerned. "Collect my degree certificate from the registrar's office" is better than "act for me in all matters".
• The date, or the period the authorization is valid for.
• Your signature, and a specimen signature of the authorised person if the office asks for one.
• Copies of both people's photo ID attached, as the office usually checks them.

Start from the free authorization letter template, fill in the details and download it as a PDF.

Leave application

A leave application is a polite request that gives your manager what they need to approve it and plan the work.

What to include

• Date of the application and the person you address it to.
• Type and dates of leave: "casual leave from 14 to 16 October 2026, 3 working days".
• A brief reason. One line is enough; you do not need to share private medical details.
• How your work will be covered and how you can be reached for emergencies.
• Attachments if required, for example a medical certificate for longer sick leave.

Apply as early as you can, and use the format your company expects, whether a form, an email or a signed letter. The leave application template gives you a ready layout in your language.

Sample wording

Dear Sir or Madam,
I request casual leave from 14 October to 16 October 2026 (3 working days) to attend a family function. My colleague Neha has agreed to cover urgent tasks, and I will be reachable by phone. Kindly approve my leave.
Thank you,
Ritu Sen

Finish the paperwork properly

1. Check dates and spelling twice; a wrong date is the most common reason an office sends a letter back.
2. Sign the document. You can add a signature to a PDF with the Sign PDF tool.
3. Merge the letter and the ID copies into one file with Merge PDF if you need to email a single attachment.
4. Keep a copy of what you sent.