Relieving Order: Meaning, Format, and Free Sample Templates

A relieving order is an official document issued by an employer to formally release an employee from their duties and responsibilities. It confirms that the employee’s resignation or separation has been accepted, all exit formalities have been completed, and the individual is free to join a new organization.

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What Is a Relieving Order?

A relieving order is the employer’s formal acknowledgment that an employee has been officially released from all duties, obligations, and responsibilities associated with their position. In simple terms, it confirms that the employee is formally relieved and free to join another organization.

Key points about what is a relieving order:

• It is issued on or after the last working day of the employee.
• It follows completion of the notice period and clearance of all dues.
• It is different from an experience letter (which details job role and tenure).
• It is required when the employee joins a new organization as proof of proper exit.
• It may also be issued on transfer (Relieving Order on Transfer) when an employee is moving to a different branch or department.

Relieving Order Meaning

The relieving order meaning refers to the formal confirmation that an employee has been officially released from service after resignation, transfer, retirement, or completion of employment.

It is often confused with a relieving letter, but a relieving order is typically issued as an internal or formal directive confirming release from service.

When Is a Relieving Order Issued?

A relieving order is issued in the following circumstances:

• After the employee completes the notice period and submits all company assets.
• On the last working day, after full and final settlement of dues.
• On transfer — a Relieving Order on Transfer is issued when an employee is officially transferred to another location or department.
• On training deployment — a Relieving Order for Training is issued when an employee is deputed for a training program.
• On resignation acceptance — after management approves the resignation.

The date of relieving meaning refers to the official last date on which the employee was released from their current duties — this date is critical for calculating full and final settlement and joining formalities at the new employer.

Relieving Order Format

A relieving order format includes the following components:

1. Company Letterhead

Organization name, address, and contact details.

2. Date of Issue

Official date of relieving order issuance.

3. Employee Details

Full name, employee ID, designation, and department.

4. Subject Line

Example: Relieving Order

5. Body Content

• Reference to resignation or transfer
• Acceptance confirmation
• Relieving date (last working day)
• Clearance confirmation

6. Authorized Signatory

HR Manager or competent authority signature.

Relieving Order Sample

From,
HR Department
Company Name,

Address,

To:
Employee Name,
Employee ID:

Subject: Relieving Order

Dear _______,

This is to formally inform you that your resignation dated (mention date) has been accepted by the management. You have been relieved from your duties as Senior Executive effective from the close of working hours on (mention date).

We confirm that you have completed your notice period and settled all company dues as per organizational policy.

We wish you success in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
HR Manager

How to Write a Relieving Order

If you are an HR professional wondering how to draft a proper relieving order, follow these steps:

1. Confirm resignation acceptance in writing.
2. Verify completion of notice period.
3. Ensure clearance of financial and asset dues.
4. Mention accurate relieving date.
5. Use formal and concise language.
6. Issue on official letterhead.

A properly written relieving order sample should be clear, factual, and free from unnecessary details.

Why Is a Relieving Order Important?

A relieving order is important because:

• It confirms formal separation from employment.
• It serves as official proof for future employers.
• It avoids disputes regarding relieving date.
• It ensures compliance with HR documentation standards.
• It supports smooth employee transition.

Without a relieving order, employees may face delays during background verification, employment documentation checks, or compliance audits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Relieving Orders

• Incorrect relieving date
• No reference to resignation acceptance
• Missing employee details
• No authorized signature
• Issuing before clearance completion

These errors may create legal, payroll, or documentation complications and can delay the employee’s future onboarding process.

Conclusion

A professionally drafted relieving order ensures clarity, compliance, and smooth employment transition. Using a structured relieving order format, referring to a reliable relieving order sample, and clearly defining the relieving date prevents future disputes. Whether issued after resignation, transfer, or retirement, a properly written relieving order protects both employer and employee while maintaining professional HR documentation standards.