How to Sign Letters

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

Signing a letter should be simple, but sometimes, deciding on the perfect closing can be a tough choice. A formal letter signed “with love” would be inappropriate. Yet, “thank you” may not seem right if you aren't thanking the recipient for anything. Signing a letter, however, can be easy if you consider your relationship with the recipient, as well as the content and purpose of the letter.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Signing a Formal Letter

1
Choose “sincerely” for a standard sign off. If you aren't sure how to sign off your formal letter, “sincerely” is typically a good choice. It is a safe and standard ending. Plus, it reiterates that you mean what you say in your letter. You can use this for business, to write a company, or for any situation that calls for a formal tone.^{[1]
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- This can also be used for a semi-formal or informal letter.
- You can also write “sincerely yours.”
2
Write “thank you” when expressing gratitude. Writing “thank you” is another safe and standard way to end a letter. This should, however, only be used if “thank you” makes sense for the letter. For example, don't sign off with “thank you” if there was nothing in the letter you were showing gratitude for. It would make sense if you were thanking someone for a gift or favor, or asking something of them.^{[2]
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- You can also write “thanks,” especially for a semi-formal situation.
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3
Use “yours truly” to show sincerity. Signing off with “yours truly” is more formal than saying “yours,” but it does imply a degree of devotion to the recipient. Use “yours truly” when you want to emphasize what you wrote in the letter.^{[3]
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- For example, if you are writing a love letter, “yours truly” would be a good ending. But, if you're writing a quick, business-like letter, “yours truly” would probably not be the best choice.
4
Write “p.p” to sign a letter for your boss. “P.p.” stands for “procurationem,” which means “through the agency of.” This should only be used if you are signing a letter for someone else—like a boss. In this case, choose your closing (ex: sincerely), write “p.p.,” sign your name, and then type the name of your boss under your signature.^{[4]
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- Write your name directly next to “p.p.”
5
Pick from other formal closings. There are so many ways to close a formal letter. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Choose according to your preference, but make sure to keep the content and receiver of the letter in mind. Here are some more formal examples:^{[5]
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- Respectfully
- Appreciatively
- Awaiting your kind response soon
- I look forward to a reply at your convenience
- Thanks again for your attention and time
- Please advise as necessary.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Signing an Informal Letter

1
Pick a short and sweet sign off for a short and informal letter. A long and serious signing off may not be appropriate for a short and informal letter. If you're writing a letter to a friend or family member to see how they're doing or tell them about your life, a short and sweet closing is a good choice. For example, you could choose from “cheers,” “regards,” “take care,” or “all the best.”
- You could also use “later” for a very informal letter.
- Write “Until next time” if you plan to write or see the person again.
2
Write “your friend” to a friend. If you're writing an informal letter to someone who you consider a friend, signing with “your friend” is a quick and obvious choice. This closing will work in just about any situation, as long as it is directed to a friend.^{[6]
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3
Sign “with love” for familiar relationships. A letter may be informal, but “with love” might seem out of place if you aren't on very familiar or intimate terms with the recipient. For example, sending a quick letter to a coworker you don't know very well may not be right, but signing “with love” to your partner or mother makes sense. ^{[7]
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- You could also simply write “love.”
- If you want to show your intimate feelings, write “with deep love” or “with warm affection.”
4
Use “xoxo” for those closest to you. “Xoxo” means “hugs and kisses.” Signing with “xoxo” is very informal and should only be reserved for people you know well. This is a good choice if you're sending a short letter with light content to your best friend, partner, or family member.^{[8]
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- You could use “xoxo” for birthday or holiday cards.
5
Write a creative or humorous ending for close friends and family. If you're writing to a close friend or family member, consider using a creative, unique, or humorous closing—especially if the subject matter of the letter is light. If you want a creative closing, consider using “Hope you're able to fit in some (hobby) this weekend,” “Sending good vibes,” or “Hope your day is going swimmingly.” For a humorous closing, consider “Hakuna matata,” “Live long and prosper,” or “To infinity and beyond.”^{[9]
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- If you're looking for a creative closing that refers to the beginning or end of the week, consider “Have a great Monday (oxymoron?).” Or, “Enjoy your Thursday (we're so close!).”
- For a funny closing, you could also use “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Completing the Letter

1
Choose a closing when you are finished writing your letter. Decide on a closing based on how formal or informal your letter is. Consider the content and recipient as well when choosing a closing. You could write “kind regards” for a casual business letter, and “yours,” for an informal letter to someone close to you.^{[10]
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- For example, close with “sincerely” in a business letter.
- You can close with “love” in a letter to a family member, partner, or friend.
2
Add punctuation to your closing. Typically, a comma is the best choice for punctuation after your closing. In some cases, however, you can use an exclamation point if the content of your letter and closing calls for it. For example, “Sincerely” is best paired with a comma. You can write “best wishes” or “thank you” with an exclamation point to show your enthusiasm.^{[11]
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- Use a comma for all formal letters. Only use an exclamation point for informal letters to friends or family members.
3
Skip 3 or 4 lines and type your name for a formal letter. For a typed business or professional letter, skip a few lines after your closing. After skipping 3 or 4 lines, type your full name. The blank space left between the closing and typed signature is left for your written signature once the letter has been printed out.^{[12]
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4
Sign your name. If your letter is informal, you can sign your name directly after the closing. You can choose to write only your first name if the person is a close friend, partner, or family member. If the letter is formal, below the closing and above your typed name.^{[13]
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Warnings

Do not write an informal closing for a business related or formal letter. Something such as “love” or “cheers” could make the reader take you less seriously than intended.

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