Resignation Letter
Leave your job on good terms with a clear, professional letter that confirms your last day and smooths the handover.
Includes 30 days of edits
- 5 to 20 minutes
- Print-ready PDF
What is a Resignation Letter?
A resignation letter is a short written notice telling your employer that you are leaving your job and when your last day of work will be. It creates a dated record of your decision, so there is no confusion later about when you gave notice or what you offered to do before you left.
Most resignation letters are brief and positive. They state the resignation and the final working day, may thank the employer for the opportunity, and often offer help with the transition, such as finishing projects or training a replacement. You do not have to give a reason for leaving, and many people choose not to.
A resignation letter can also be a practical tool. It is a natural place to ask about your final paycheck, unused vacation, benefits continuation and returning company equipment, and to give a personal email address for follow-up paperwork such as tax forms.
When to use it
- You have accepted a new job and need to give your current employer formal notice.
- You are relocating, returning to school, retiring or stepping away for family reasons.
- Your employment agreement or handbook asks for written notice of resignation.
- You told your manager in person and want to confirm the details in writing.
- You need to resign effective immediately and want a clear, professional record of it.
What is included
- Your contact details and the recipient at your employer
- A clear statement of resignation and your final day of work
- Notice period wording, including notice required by a contract
- An optional, neutral reason for leaving
- Optional thanks and highlights of your time with the company
- A transition offer with a list of handover tasks
- Return of company property
- Questions about final pay, unused paid time off and benefits
- Forwarding contact details and a professional closing
- Optional acknowledgment of receipt signed by the employer
How to make your Resignation Letter
Answer the questions
Tell us about the parties and the terms you want. Most documents take about 5 to 20 minutes.
Review the preview
Check the draft as you go and change any answer. The document updates instantly.
Download, sign and keep a copy
Download a print-ready PDF, sign it with the other parties, and give everyone a copy.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give when I resign?
Two weeks is a common professional courtesy in the United States, but most at-will employees are not legally required to give any particular amount of notice. Check your employment agreement, offer letter or handbook, because some roles, especially senior or contract positions, call for longer notice.
Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
No. A resignation letter can simply state that you are resigning and when your last day will be. If you do give a reason, keep it brief and neutral. Concerns about pay, management or workplace problems are usually better raised in an exit interview or a separate conversation.
Should I tell my manager before sending the letter?
It is usually considered good practice to tell your direct manager in person or by video call first and then follow up with the letter the same day. The letter then confirms what you discussed and gives Human Resources the written record it needs.
Can my employer make my resignation effective sooner than my last day?
In an at-will relationship, an employer can generally accept a resignation immediately rather than having you work through the notice period. Whether you are paid for the remaining notice period depends on your contract, company policy and state law.
When will I receive my final paycheck?
Deadlines for final pay are set by state law and vary widely. Some states require payment on the last day or within a few days, while others allow payment on the next regular payday. Whether unused vacation must be paid out also depends on the state and the employer's written policy.
What happens to my health insurance when I resign?
Employer health coverage usually ends on your last day or at the end of that month, depending on the plan. Many employees can continue group coverage temporarily at their own cost under the federal COBRA law or a similar state program. Your employer or plan administrator should send you the details.
Can I take back a resignation letter after I send it?
Once a resignation has been delivered, the employer is generally not required to let you withdraw it. Some employers will agree to a withdrawal, especially if it is requested quickly, but you should not count on it. Be sure of your decision before you send the letter.
Is an email resignation acceptable?
Yes, in most workplaces an email is an acceptable way to deliver a resignation letter. Attach the signed letter as a PDF or paste the text into the message, and keep a copy of what you sent and when.
