How to Write a Letter of Permission

You might need to write a letter of permission to allow a family member to take a trip or participate in a specific activity. Use ink when writing a letter of permission and know that in most circumstances, such a letter is a legally binding instrument.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make the letter you're writing very detailed. Use the legal name of the person you're giving permission to, rather than a nickname. Use both the first and last name to avoid any confusion.

2. Use the letter to grant permission for one specific thing, such as a field trip to the park or a sleepover with the youth group. List date and location of the activity so the same letter can't be used for a different trip or event.

3. Specify who has permission to do what in your letter. For example, a give daycare permission to transport your child on a field trip by listing the name of the daycare, or even the name of a specific teacher.

4. Spell out exactly what you're giving permission for. Instead of writing that your son can go on a field trip, specify that ABC Day Care can take Johnny Smith to Lion's Park on June 3.

5. Keep a copy of the letter of permission for your own records to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Tips & Warnings

• Some organizations require that letters of permission be notarized. You may have a notary at your office you can use for this purpose, or you can have your letter notarized at your local bank or credit union free of charge.

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