Letters of Authority and Powers of Attorney

Parties should seek independent legal advice about letters of authority and powers of attorney. The RTA cannot provide guidelines for how to complete these documents and we do not have forms or templates that can be utilised.

Letter of Authority

A Letter of Authority (LoA) is a signed letter from a customer, instructing the RTA to deal with another person on their behalf.

A LoA should be submitted to RTA with a reference number, such as a bond number and/or client ID number, and include the following:

  • the customers full name and contact details
  • the representative’s full name and their contact details
    For an organisation, the Letter of Authority should be on the organisation's name on an official letterhead with the authorised officer's name, position, and contact details
  • be signed by both the customer and their representative
  • include a copy of both the customer and their representative’s photo ID
  • be current (no more than six months old)
  • include the scope of the authorisation.
    For example, the wording should state the customer “authorises the RTA to release information to" the third party rather than simply claiming they have authority to act on behalf of the other person. If no details are specified, the RTA may make further contact to establish the scope of the authorised party’s authority.  

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a formal document, giving another person the authority to make personal and/or financial decisions on behalf of the customer. A PoA can be cancelled at any time.

There are two types of Powers of Attorney (PoA):

  • A General Power of Attorney and
  • An Enduring Power of Attorney.

A copy of the PoA or, in the case of the Public Trustee, a Certificate of Authority should be submitted to RTA. The submission should include a reference number, such as a bond number and/or client ID number. A copy of the customer’s photo ID and their representative must be included (if the Public Trustee is the representative, they do not need to supply a photo ID).

Parties should contact the Department of Justice and Attorney-General or seek independent legal advice for more information.

Accepted Photo ID

Photo ID is required to verify the identities of both the customer and the person acting as their PoA to mitigate privacy risks. ID’s will be saved on the relevant customer’s record.

A valid photo ID may be scanned or photographed and submitted to the RTA. Any of the following forms of photo ID are acceptable:

  • Australian driver licence or learner permit
  • Australian or International passport
  • An 18+ or proof of age card.

If there has been a court or tribunal order appointing the Public Trustee, the Certificate of Authority must also be provided.

Note: if multiple people have been nominated to make decisions jointly or by majority under a POA/EPOA, the RTA requires all parties to provide ID and sign relevant documents.