A Documentary Letter of Credit (DLC) is a payment instrument issued by a regulated financial institution on behalf of a buyer, undertaking to pay the seller upon presentation of documents that strictly comply with the terms of the credit. It is commonly used in international trade to facilitate payment against shipment of goods.

Payment is made upon presentation of specified documents — such as transport and insurance documents — in accordance with the conditions defined in the instrument and applicable international banking practice standards, such as UCP600.