Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Relieving Letter Meaning Purpose and Format Guide

ffImage
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon

What Is a Relieving Letter and How to Write It with Format and Example

Relieving Letter: Format, Meaning, Samples & Templates A relieving letter is an official document given by an employer to confirm that an employee has formally left the organization. It is important for school projects, job applications, and competitive exams. Learning this English topic helps you write or understand official letters needed for career growth and academic requirements.
Type of Letter Purpose Common Use
Relieving Letter Confirms exit and completion of duties Proof for joining a new job
Experience Letter Details work experience and role Required for career progression
Resignation Letter Employee notice for leaving Formally starts job exit process

What is a Relieving Letter in English?

A relieving letter is a formal letter issued by an employer to state that an employee has been released from their job duties. It mentions the last working day, designation, and confirms the completion of all exit formalities. New employers often ask for this letter as proof of a smooth job transition.


Relieving Letter vs Experience Letter

Students commonly confuse relieving letters with experience letters. While both are official documents, they serve different purposes in job and academic settings.


Feature Relieving Letter Experience Letter
Description Confirms employee’s exit and duty clearance Describes employee’s role and work period
Contains Last working day, acceptance of resignation Nature of work, performance feedback
Needed for Joining a new job, document verification Career advancement, further studies

Importance of a Relieving Letter

A relieving letter proves you have left a job properly and have official clearance from your previous employer. It is vital for joining a new company, applying for higher studies, or clearing background checks and job interviews.


Standard Relieving Letter Format

A relieving letter should follow a set format to be valid and professional. Here's what to include:


  • Date of issue (top of the page)
  • Employee name, ID, designation, and department
  • Company name and address
  • Formal salutation (e.g., Dear [Employee Name], or To Whomsoever It May Concern)
  • Confirmation of resignation acceptance
  • Last working day and total period served
  • Thanks and best wishes
  • Signature, HR name, and designation

Relieving Letter Sample and Template

Below is an easy-to-use relieving letter template. Copy and edit your details as required.

[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Date]
Subject: Relieving Letter
Dear [Employee Name],
This is to confirm that you have been relieved from your duties as [Designation] effective from [Last Working Day]. Your resignation submitted on [Resignation Date] has been accepted. You were employed with us from [Joining Date] to [Last Working Day].
We thank you for your service and wish you success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[HR Name]
[HR Designation]

Relieving Letter Example for Accountant

[Company Name]
[Date]
To Whomsoever It May Concern,
This is to certify that [Employee Full Name], Employee ID [Employee ID], worked with our organization as an Accountant from [Joining Date] to [Last Working Day]. Their services and conduct were found to be satisfactory.
We wish them success in their future assignments.
[HR Name], [HR Designation]

How to Request a Relieving Letter from HR

To get a relieving letter, you should request it formally from your employer or HR department. Here’s how you can do it:


  1. Write a polite email or letter to HR/Manager.
  2. Mention your last working date, designation, and employee ID.
  3. State the need for the relieving letter (for job change, studies, etc.).
  4. Thank them and offer to provide any needed details.

Sample request email:

Subject: Request for Relieving Letter

Dear [HR Manager’s Name],

I kindly request my relieving letter for my employment as [Designation] at [Company Name]. My last working day was [Last Working Day]. Please let me know if any details are required.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Tips for Writing and Using Relieving Letters

  • Always check for correct spellings and accurate dates.
  • Use formal, polite language throughout the letter.
  • Submit all required company property and clear dues before requesting the letter.
  • Store your relieving letter safely for future job or academic uses.

Where Can You Learn More?

Explore more official letter formats at Vedantu for a strong foundation in English:


In summary, a relieving letter is an essential official document used to confirm the formal exit of an employee from a job. It is important for job changes, further studies, and document verification. Understanding its format and use is valuable for school, exams, and future work life. Practice with Vedantu’s learning resources to master such writing skills easily.

FAQs on Relieving Letter Meaning Purpose and Format Guide

1. What is a relieving letter?

A relieving letter is an official document issued by an employer confirming that an employee has formally resigned and has been released from their duties. It typically includes:

  • Employee’s name and designation
  • Date of resignation
  • Last working day
  • Confirmation that all responsibilities are cleared
This letter serves as proof of employment separation and is often required when joining a new company.

2. Why is a relieving letter important?

A relieving letter is important because it officially confirms that an employee has been released from their previous job without pending obligations. It is used for:

  • Background verification by a new employer
  • Joining formalities in a new company
  • Proof of professional conduct and resignation acceptance
Without it, future employers may question the legitimacy of your job exit.

3. What is included in a relieving letter?

A standard relieving letter format includes key employment and resignation details. It generally contains:

  • Company letterhead and date
  • Employee’s full name and job title
  • Date of resignation acceptance
  • Last working day
  • Statement confirming clearance of duties
  • Authorized signature and company seal
Some companies may also add a brief note wishing the employee success.

4. What is the difference between a relieving letter and an experience letter?

The main difference is that a relieving letter confirms release from duties, while an experience letter describes the employee’s work history and performance. Key distinctions include:

  • Relieving letter: Confirms resignation acceptance and last working day
  • Experience letter: Mentions job role, duration, skills, and conduct
Both documents are often requested during new job onboarding.

5. Is a relieving letter mandatory when leaving a job?

A relieving letter is not legally mandatory in all countries, but it is commonly required in corporate employment practices. Many employers ask for it during:

  • Pre-employment verification
  • HR documentation checks
  • Background screening
Company policies and local labor laws determine whether issuing it is compulsory.

6. How do you request a relieving letter from your employer?

You can request a relieving letter by formally writing to your HR department or manager after serving your notice period. Follow these steps:

  • Submit a written resignation letter
  • Complete the required notice period
  • Clear all dues and company property
  • Send a polite email requesting the relieving letter
Always keep the tone professional and concise.

7. What is the format of a relieving letter?

The relieving letter format is formal, concise, and printed on company letterhead. A typical structure includes:

  • Date and employee details
  • Subject line (if applicable)
  • Confirmation of resignation acceptance
  • Statement of last working day
  • Closing note and authorized signature
The language used is formal and professional, suitable for official records.

8. Can a company refuse to give a relieving letter?

A company may refuse to issue a relieving letter if the employee has not fulfilled contractual obligations such as notice period or clearance procedures. Common reasons include:

  • Incomplete notice period
  • Pending dues or assets
  • Breach of employment contract
Employees should review their employment agreement to understand their rights.

9. Does a relieving letter mention the reason for leaving?

A relieving letter usually does not mention the detailed reason for leaving; it mainly confirms resignation acceptance and release date. It typically states:

  • The resignation was accepted
  • The employee was relieved from duties on a specific date
Detailed performance or conduct remarks are usually included in an experience letter instead.

10. Can I join a new company without a relieving letter?

Yes, you can sometimes join a new company without a relieving letter, but it may create complications during verification. Some employers may accept:

  • Resignation acceptance email
  • Last salary slip
  • Experience letter
However, many organizations prefer a relieving letter as formal proof of employment separation.