Short answer: A relieving letter is issued by your employer to confirm your resignation was accepted and that you were relieved on a specific date. It should be on company letterhead and include your name, employee ID, designation, joining date, last working day, a statement that you have been relieved of duties, and an authorised signature.
You served your notice, handed over your work and said goodbye. A few weeks later, your new employer’s background check team asks for your relieving letter, and you realise you never got one, or the one you got has the wrong date.
The relieving letter is a small document that causes a lot of stress during job changes in India. Here is what it should contain, how to check it, and how to get one.
What a relieving letter is (and isn’t)
| Relieving letter | Experience letter | Resignation letter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who writes it | Employer | Employer | You |
| Purpose | Confirms you left properly and are free to join elsewhere | Describes your role, tenure and sometimes conduct | Tells the employer you are leaving |
| When | Last day or after full and final settlement | Last day or later | At the start of your notice period |
Some companies issue a single “relieving and experience letter”. That is fine, as long as it contains the details below. For the other employer letter, see our experience letter format guide.
Relieving letter format: the verification checklist
When you receive the letter, check every line. Errors are easier to fix while HR still has your file open.
| Field | What to check |
|---|---|
| Company letterhead | Official logo, address and registered name |
| Date of issue | On or after your last working day |
| Your full name | Matches your PAN and Aadhaar spelling |
| Employee ID | Correct |
| Designation | Your final designation, not the one you joined with |
| Department | Correct, if mentioned |
| Date of joining | Matches your offer or appointment letter |
| Date of resignation | Matches your resignation email |
| Last working day / relieving date | The exact date you left |
| Relieving statement | Clear wording that your resignation was accepted and you are relieved of duties |
| Dues / handover note | Often states that dues are settled or handover is complete (optional) |
| Signature | Authorised signatory (HR or manager), with name and designation |
Sample relieving letter
Use this to compare against the letter you receive. It is illustrative; wording varies between companies.
[Company Letterhead]
Date: 30 November 2026
To,
Ms. Ananya Rao
Employee ID: EMP10452
Subject: Relieving Letter
Dear Ananya,
This is with reference to your resignation dated 1 October 2026. We confirm that your resignation has been accepted and you are relieved from your duties as Senior Associate — Finance with effect from the close of business on 30 November 2026.
Your date of joining was 15 June 2022. We confirm that you have completed the handover of your responsibilities.
We thank you for your contributions and wish you success in your future endeavours.
For [Company Name],
[Signature]
[Name], HR Manager
How to request your relieving letter
Ask in writing when you resign, and again a week before your last day.
Subject: Request for relieving letter and experience letter — Ananya Rao, EMP10452
Dear HR Team,
My last working day is 30 November 2026. Could you please share my relieving letter and experience letter on or before that date? My new employer needs them for onboarding.
For reference: Designation — Senior Associate, Finance; Date of joining — 15 June 2022.
Thank you,
Ananya Rao
If the letter is delayed or refused
- Follow up in writing with your manager and HR, citing your resignation acceptance.
- Escalate to the HR head or the HR helpdesk ticket system, if there is one.
- Collect alternatives in the meantime: resignation acceptance email, final payslip, full and final settlement statement, handover sign-off.
- Tell your new employer early. Many accept these alternatives for a while.
- If still refused, consider professional or legal advice. Rules depend on your contract and circumstances.
Why new employers ask for it
- To confirm you have actually left your previous job and are not working two jobs
- To verify your dates and designation during background checks
- To reduce the risk of disputes with your previous employer
Make sure the dates and designation on your resume match the letter. Mismatches are one of the most common background-check flags.
Update your resume with the right dates
Use BrainUp’s free Resume Builder to update your latest role, designation and dates so they match your documents.
Open the Resume BuilderStill at the start of the process? See our resignation letter format and how to answer the notice period question. Got a new offer? Here is how to send an offer acceptance email.
Key takeaways
- A relieving letter confirms your resignation was accepted and gives your relieving date.
- Check name, employee ID, designation, dates and signature line by line.
- Request it in writing when you resign and before your last day.
- If it is delayed, keep alternative proof and tell your new employer early.
Frequently asked questions
What is a relieving letter?
It is a letter from your employer confirming that your resignation was accepted and that you have been relieved of your duties on a specific date, usually after completing your notice period and handover.
Is a relieving letter the same as an experience letter?
No. A relieving letter confirms you have left properly. An experience letter describes your role and tenure. Some companies combine both into one document.
When do I get my relieving letter?
Usually on your last working day or after your full and final settlement. Timelines vary by company, so ask HR when you resign.
What if my company refuses to give a relieving letter?
Request it in writing, then escalate to HR leadership. Keep your resignation acceptance email, payslips and handover records as proof. Many new employers accept these alternatives; if not, seek advice on your legal options.
Do I need a relieving letter to join a new company?
Many Indian employers ask for it during onboarding or background verification. Some accept a resignation acceptance email until the letter arrives.