Table of Contents
- 1.Why You Need an Authorization Letter
- 2.What Documents Are Required
- 3.Free Authorization Letter Template
- 4.Airport-Specific Requirements
- 5.Common Mistakes That Get Rejected
- 6.How ParcelGo Handles This for You
- 7.Frequently Asked Questions
Can't travel back to the airport to collect your lost item? The solution is an airport authorization letter — a document that legally appoints someone to collect on your behalf. This guide has a free template, airport-specific requirements, and step-by-step instructions.
Why You Need an Authorization Letter
Indian airports — including Mumbai (CSMIA), Delhi (IGI), Bangalore (BIAL), and Hyderabad (RGIA) — do not courier or ship lost items to passengers. Items must be collected in person or by an authorized representative.
The airport will NOT release your item to a third party without an authorization letter.
This is a legal requirement across all AAI-managed and private airport operators in India. The letter establishes the legal authority of the representative and protects the airport from liability.
What Documents Are Required
From you (the item owner), naming your representative. See the template below.
Passport, Aadhaar card, or PAN card. A clear photo or scan is acceptable at most airports.
The representative must carry their original government-issued ID (not a copy) when visiting the airport.
If the airport Lost & Found gave you a reference number when you reported, include it. Not always mandatory.
For high-value items: boarding pass, purchase receipt, or a photo of you with the item helps speed up verification.
Free Airport Authorization Letter Template
Copy the template below, fill in the highlighted fields, sign it, and send it to your representative via WhatsApp or email.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Airport Lost & Found Department [AIRPORT NAME] Date: [DATE] AUTHORIZATION LETTER FOR LOST ITEM COLLECTION I, [YOUR FULL NAME], holder of [ID TYPE] number [ID NUMBER], hereby authorize [REPRESENTATIVE FULL NAME], holder of [REP ID TYPE] number [REP ID NUMBER], to collect my lost item from the Lost & Found department on my behalf. Details of Lost Item: • Item Description: [e.g., Black Dell laptop, silver iPhone 14, brown leather wallet] • Date Lost: [DATE] • Location Lost: [e.g., Terminal 2, security checkpoint / Gate 45B lounge] • Claim/Reference Number (if applicable): [NUMBER] I confirm that the above-named representative is acting as my authorized agent and I take full responsibility for this collection. Attached: 1. Copy of my government-issued ID ([ID TYPE]) 2. Representative's government ID will be presented in person Sincerely, [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR EMAIL] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Pro Tip: Let ParcelGo Handle It
When you WhatsApp ParcelGo Global, we generate a pre-filled authorization letter for your specific airport, guide you through signing it, and manage the entire collection and delivery process. You don't need to figure this out alone.
Airport-Specific Requirements
| Airport | Notarization Required? | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai (CSMIA/BOM) | No | Separate T1 and T2 Lost & Found offices |
| Delhi (IGI/DEL) | No | Specify terminal — T1, T2, or T3 |
| Bangalore (BIAL/BLR) | No | Single terminal — 60 day hold |
| Hyderabad (RGIA/HYD) | No | 60 day hold — act quickly |
| Dubai (DXB) | Sometimes | High-value items may need extra verification |
Common Mistakes That Get Rejected
How ParcelGo Handles This for You
ParcelGo Global is a specialist in airport authorized collection. We act as your official representative and handle every step — from paperwork to doorstep delivery.
Tell us your airport, lost item details, and any reference number at +91 89763 23555
We create a ready-to-sign authorization letter tailored to your specific airport
Our authorized agent visits the airport Lost & Found with all documentation
Your item is packed and shipped — India in 1–3 days, worldwide in 3–7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an authorization letter to have someone collect my lost item from an Indian airport?+−
Yes. Most Indian airports require: 1. A signed authorization letter from you (the item owner) 2. A copy of your government-issued ID (passport, Aadhaar, or PAN card) 3. The representative's original valid government ID Without these, the airport will not release the item to a third party.
What should an airport authorization letter include?+−
A valid airport authorization letter must include: • Your full name and contact details • The authorized person's full name and ID type • Description of the lost item (brand, color, model, contents) • The airport name and claim/reference number (if you have one) • Date and your signature • Statement: "I authorize [Name] to collect my lost item on my behalf"
Does the authorization letter need to be notarized?+−
In most Indian airports, notarization is NOT required. A clear signed letter with ID copies is sufficient. For high-value items (jewellery, large cash amounts), some airports may request additional verification. ParcelGo Global advises on a case-by-case basis.
Can I send the authorization letter by email or WhatsApp?+−
Yes. A digital copy sent by email or WhatsApp is accepted at most Indian airports. The representative should have both a digital copy on their phone and a printed copy when visiting the Lost & Found.
What if I don't have a claim number?+−
A claim number is not always required. Provide the best description possible of the item (brand, model, color, contents, what bag it was in). The Lost & Found will search their inventory and verify ownership through the authorization letter and ID.
Can ParcelGo Global handle the entire process for me?+−
Yes. When you WhatsApp ParcelGo at +91 89763 23555, we: 1. Send you a ready-to-sign authorization letter template 2. Advise on any airport-specific requirements 3. Handle collection at the airport with all documentation 4. Deliver the item to your address worldwide
Related Guides
ParcelGo Global
ParcelGo Global is a Mumbai-based logistics company with 100+ years of combined founder experience. We have handled hundreds of airport authorized collections across 17 airports in India and internationally. Learn more →