Common uses
- Providing a clear written statement or authorization.
- Supporting a request from a school, business, agency, or service provider.
- Creating a signed record that may require acknowledgment or an oath.
Before your notary session
- Confirm the recipient accepts a general template.
- Review names, dates, addresses, and identification details carefully.
- Do not sign until you are connected with the notary unless instructed otherwise.
Who should use this document?
- A vehicle owner permitting a family member, employee, friend, caregiver, or other driver to use the vehicle for defined dates and purposes.
- An insurer, employer, lender, border official, rental provider, or other recipient that asks for written owner permission.
When is notarization commonly requested?
Insurers, employers, lenders, border authorities, rental companies, and other recipients may request a notarized owner authorization. The letter does not create insurance coverage, driving eligibility, ownership, or permission that conflicts with a lease, loan, rental, or policy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to list the owner, driver, VIN, plate, dates, destinations, and purpose.
- Ignoring insurance, lender, lease, rental, employer, or border restrictions.
- Using a permission letter for a sale, gift, or permanent transfer.
- Assuming notarization adds the driver to an insurance policy.
Compare these documents
These documents can appear in similar situations, but they serve different purposes. Confirm which one the receiving organization wants.
Vehicle Use Authorization
Allows a driver to use the vehicle under stated dates and limits.
Vehicle Release Authorization
Allows a representative to retrieve the vehicle from a holder or facility.
Read the related guideFrequently asked questions
Does the letter add the driver to the insurance policy?
No. The owner should confirm coverage directly with the insurer before the vehicle is used.
Can the driver cross a border with the vehicle?
Possibly, but border, insurance, lender, lease, rental, registration, and destination requirements should be confirmed first.