noun
A formal document granting permission, similar to 免許状. Used in official contexts.
See also: 免許状
この許状があれば、特別な区域にも立ち入ることができます。
With this permit, you can enter even restricted areas.
noun
Historical or formal document granting a pardon, similar to 赦免状. Rare in modern usage.
See also: 赦免状
江戸時代には、罪人に許状が与えられることがあった。
In the Edo period, a letter of pardon was sometimes granted to criminals.
Compound of 許 (permission) and 状 (document). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with official permits.