TRAVEL ORDERS

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

A travel order identifies the travel purpose and includes necessary financial information for budgetary and

reimbursement purposes. It also provides documentation for using travel programs to a Travel

Management Company (TMC) and travel service vendors (FTR § 301-71.100). The travel order provides

the traveler information regarding what expenses may be reimbursed. It should be issued before travel

begins unless an urgent or unusual situation prevents prior issuance (FTR § 301-71.108). However, a

written travel order is not necessary when it is known that the travel claim involves only local

transportation reimbursement.

This document provides policy on preparing travel orders, in addition to the policy in the Joint Travel

Regulations. The document is divided into four sections. The first section applies to all travelers and all

types of travel orders. The second section applies to Uniform Service members only. The third section

applies to DoD civilian employees, and the final section applies to individuals not employed by the

Government and traveling on an invitational travel authorization (ITA).

SECTION 1: REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL TRAVEL ORDERS

Issuing a Travel Order

An Authorizing or Approving Official (AO) can authorize travel by issuing a written travel order or by

issuing a letter, email, or verbal instruction followed by a written travel order. Strict administrative

control must be maintained over travel order issuance.

A. Travel Order. A travel order must be either written or electronic and establish the conditions

under which official travel and transportation is authorized at Government expense. An AO can authorize

travel within the limits or immediate vicinity of the permanent duty station (PDS) by issuing either a

written travel order or a letter, email, or verbal instruction when the AO decides it is appropriate for fund-

approval purposes. Local travel in, around, or near the PDS does not require a written travel order as long

as lodging or per diem is not payable. When lodging or per diem is payable, a written travel order must

support the travel claim. If a travel order is not issued, approval on a claim voucher should suffice for

reimbursement purposes. A travel order must not be issued for reporting to the first PDS except as

specified in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Chapter 5.

B. Confirmatory Travel Order. A confirmatory travel order is issued to confirm an order that was

given verbally, by letter, or by message when official travel began or was performed before the written

travel order was issued. A confirmatory travel order may be issued to a Service member, to a civilian

employee, or in connection with an ITA. The written travel order must adhere to all of the following

conditions:

1. Be issued as promptly as possible.

2. Include appropriate statements regarding the prior authorization and justification for any

unusual issuance delay.

3. Be initiated by the official who directed the travel.

Standard Content for a Travel Order

Regardless of the type of travel order issued, all travel orders must contain the following information:

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

A. Name. Each order must contain the traveler’s name. Each traveler must have their own order

unless the JTR authorizes more than one traveler on an order, such as in the case of personnel traveling

together (JTR, paragraph 020315) or for an escort or attendant for medical travel as specified in the JTR,

paragraph 033102.

B. Transportation Purchase Methods. All travel authorizations and orders that authorize the

purchase of transportation tickets must identify the purchase method. The authorization or order must

state whether the ticket was purchased using an individually billed account (IBA) or a centrally billed

account, or was otherwise personally purchased by the traveler. This is necessary to prevent duplicate

reimbursement of transportation tickets. If the purchase method changes after the travel authorization or

order is published, then the AO may approve the changed method after the fact on the travel claim.

C. Government Travel Charge Card. Travel orders for Service members or DoD civilian

employees must also include any of the following applicable statements relating to the Government

Travel Charge Card (GTCC):

1. A statement indicating whether the traveler is or is not a GTCC IBA holder (see DoD

Instruction (DoDI) 5154.31, Vol. 4, “Government Travel Charge Card Regulations”).

2. If the traveler is a GTCC IBA holder, a statement indicating whether or not the traveler is

exempt from the Travel and Transportation Reform Act (TTRA) mandatory use provision. This

statement also authorizes alternative payment methods (see DoDI 5154.31, Vol. 4).

3. A statement indicating that a GTCC holder should obtain necessary cash, specifying the

amount authorized, through ATMs rather than obtaining cash advances from a DoD disbursing officer

(see DoDI 5154.31, Vol. 4).

D. Travel Order Conflict. If the travel order conflicts with the JTR, the JTR policy governs.

Issuing a Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Order

A. Form To Use. Use DD Form 1610 (Request and Authorization for TDY Travel of DoD

Personnel) for all official TDY travel, funded environmental and morale leave (FEML) travel, rest and

recuperation (R&R) travel, dependent evacuation, and group or blanket TDY travel. Include all

additional names, authorizations, and necessary information on continuation sheets. Instructions for

completing DD Form 1610 are on the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website. DD Form

1610 cannot be used for invitational travel or a contractor’s travel. Travel authorizations produced in an

electronic travel system are not required to use or reproduce a corresponding DD Form 1610 as long as

the system contains all data elements required by FTR, Chapter 301, Appendix C. A printed copy of an

electronic travel authorization is considered a valid order if it contains the data elements that would be

included in a DD Form 1610.

B. Standard Content on a TDY Travel Order. A travel order that does not have a box to check

for a particular allowance must include a statement authorizing the allowance. The following information

must be included on each travel order:

1. The Service member’s or civilian employee’s name.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

2. Travel purpose. Refer to CFR Title 41, Chapter 301, Appendix C, “Standard Data

Elements for Federal Travel [Traveler Identification],” for the travel purposes and for clarification of

what is considered an acceptable reason for travel at Government expense.

3. Travel order conditions or limitations. List the actual TDY location—not a nearby city or

town—on the TDY order.

4. Travel cost estimate.

5. AO’s signature.

C. Authorize Variations in Travel. Authorizing variations in a travel authorization is not a

substitution for poor planning and cannot be used to create a blanket travel authorization or repeat travel

authorization. An authorized variation in a TDY order allows a traveler to:

1. Go to destinations not named in the order.

2. Change the specified time spent at a named destination.

3. Change the sequence of the named destinations.

4. Omit travel to named destinations.

D. Blanket or Repeat Travel Order. A blanket or repeat travel order may be needed when a

traveler is required to undertake multiple trips using the same authorization. The travel order remains in

effect until it is revoked or until the end of the fiscal year. The travel order is automatically canceled

when the traveler is assigned on a permanent change of station (PCS) or reaches the time limit specified

in the order. A blanket or repeat travel order must:

1. State that it is for “blanket TDY travel” or “repeat TDY travel” and that the Uniformed

Service member or civilian employee must proceed at such times, to such places, and at such frequency.

2. State the geographical area for its use.

3. Contain estimated travel costs for the period indicated in the order.

4. State the reason for this type of travel.

5. Only authorize economy or coach travel.

6. Not authorize an actual expense allowance (AEA).

7. Be amended when premium-class transportation or AEA is necessary for a specific

location on an individual trip.

8. Not be issued merely to authorize a specific number of trips to or between stated places or

to enable variations in itinerary.

9. State authorization for excess accompanied baggage, if the baggage is necessary.

10. List expense items requiring specific approval.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

11. Designate the traveler as an Acting Transportation Officer, if applicable.

12. State authorization for a privately owned vehicle (POV) with reimbursement when

approved on claim vouchers as being to the Government’s advantage.

13. Include other pertinent conditions, limitations, and instructions, as applicable.

Amending a Travel Order

A. Authority to Amend Travel Order. An amended travel order can only be issued by the same

organization that issued the original order, unless otherwise specified in this document. The amendment

modifies the original travel order. The AO directing a civilian employee’s travel, or an official with

delegated authority, is responsible for amending a travel order. If additional funds are required, the

official whose funds are affected must provide authorization before an amendment is issued.

B. Effect of Amendment on Allowances. The effective date of the amendment is the issuance

date unless a later date is specified. An amendment authorizing a change in per diem, mileage rate, or

reimbursement basis applies only to unperformed travel on or after the effective date. In some instances,

travel allowances may be authorized only in advance of travel or approved after travel is completed.

Approval after travel ends, when permitted, does not constitute “retroactive modification” of a travel

order to create, change, or deny an allowance. A travel order must not be revoked or modified

retroactively to create or deny an allowance, except to correct or complete a travel order to show the

original intent (24 Comp. Gen. 439 (1944)). For example, if a temporary duty (TDY) travel order had

clearly permitted POV use, it would be improper to amend the travel order to “un-authorize” POV travel

after travel had been completed.

C. Amending a Travel Order for a Civilian Employee. See Section 3, “Amending a DoD

Civilian Travel Order.”

SECTION 2: TRAVEL ORDER FOR A UNIFORMED SERVICE

MEMBER

In addition to the provisions that apply to all travel orders, and those in the JTR, each Service and

Agency has its own regulations specifying the requirements for travel orders issued to Uniformed Service

members. Refer to Service or Agency regulations for Uniformed Service members’ permanent duty

travel (PDT) orders and other orders as necessary that are not otherwise specified in the JTR or this

document.

SECTION 3: TRAVEL ORDER FOR A DOD CIVILIAN

EMPLOYEE

Delegation of Authority

The Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force have delegated authority to issue a travel order.

That authority may be re-delegated, as shown in the following tables. Within a Department of Defense

(DoD) Component other than in the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, authority to issue a

travel order is delegated by the Component Head. An AO may ask another AO to issue an order. The

requesting AO must provide the required information and accounting data. Permitted delegations and re-

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

delegations of authority to issue a travel order should be in writing and by organizational title to each

individual who may authorize or approve a travel order. Only the officials listed in the JTR, paragraph

020206 or Table 2-5, may authorize or approve premium-class air accommodations. Certain ITA

travelers must obtain pre-approval from an Authorizing Official in Table 3-2.1 who certifies that they

meet the requirements of 5 U.S.C. § 5703 to “be legitimately performing a direct service for the

Government.” See JTR, par. 030501.

A. Army Requirements to Delegate Authority. Delegation of authority to issue a travel order for

a TDY assignment or to issue an ITA is subject to Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-10, “Leaves and Passes.”

Responsibility for the issuance of a permanent change of station (PCS) travel order belongs to a

commander who has received delegated authority to fill positions, a commander who is responsible for

filling requisition and processing appointments outside of the continental United States (OCONUS), the

commander of an activity in which at least one individual is employed, or the commander of a gaining

activity, as appropriate, with regard to the type of PCS travel involved. Delegation of authority to issue a

travel order for a PCS depends upon the traveler’s location and destination as follows:

1. A PCS between locations in the continental United States (CONUS)

A commander to whom authority has been delegated to fill a position may have the authority

to issue a PCS order. He or she may re-delegate this authority.

2. A PCS to, from, or between locations OCONUS

A commander who is responsible for filling requisitions and processing appointments to an

area OCONUS, or for assigning a civilian employee to a PDS OCONUS, has the authority to issue a PCS

order. He or she may re-delegate this authority. The gaining activity is responsible for issuing the travel

order, but may request that the losing activity issue the order instead.

Table 1. Army Delegation of Authority for Issuing Travel Orders

Type of

Travel Order

that May Be

Re-Delegated

Authority Requirement

Secretary of the Army

 TDY

 PDT



ITA

Delegates authority as appropriate.

Administrative Assistant to

the Secretary of the Army

For the Office of the Secretary of the Army and

elements reporting directly to it.

Chief of Staff TDY

This official may re-delegate authority, for a specific

project and time period, to a subordinate installation

commander or activity and field-operating agency to

issue a TDY travel order for travel to, from, and

between areas OCONUS when AR 600-8-10 does not

require issuance of a travel order by Headquarters,

Department of the Army.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

Commander of:

 An Army Command

 An Army Service

Component Command

 Each Direct Reporting

Unit, including

Combatant Command

Components

TDY

 This official may re-delegate authority, for a

specific project and time period, to a subordinate

installation commander or activity and field-

operating agency to issue a TDY travel order for

travel to, from, and between areas OCONUS when

AR 600-8-10 does not require issuance of a travel

order by Headquarters, Department of the Army.

 Either a General or Admiral of at least a two-star

level, or a civilian equivalent, may authorize or

approve a TDY for 181 or more days in

accordance with the requirements in the JTR,

paragraph 010206, Table 1-6, and Table 1-7.

 For the National Guard Bureau, the Chief of the

National Guard Bureau must authorize a blanket

TDY travel order before issuance.*

Head of an Army Staff

Agency

Commander of a Major

Subordinate Command

Regional Commander

Commander of an

Installation, Activity, and

Field Operating Agency

Commander or Head of an

Installation, Activity, or

Field Operating Agency

(A1)

TDY

 Either a General or Admiral of at least a two-star

level, or a civilian equivalent, may authorize or

approve a TDY for 181 or more days in

accordance with the requirements in the JTR,

paragraph 010206, Table 1-6, and Table 1-7.

 For the National Guard Bureau, the Chief of the

National Guard Bureau must authorize a blanket

TDY travel order

before issuance

The Adjutant General of a

State or Territory

 TDY

 ITA

For the National Guard Bureau, the Chief of the

National Guard Bureau must authorize a blanket TDY

travel order

before issuance

*A blanket travel order is not used in the Defense Travel System (DTS).

B. Navy and Marine Corps Requirements to Delegate Authority. Table 2 specifies which AOs

are delegated to issue each type of travel order. An official authorized to issue a service agreement or

PDT order may not re-delegate this authority. In the absence of the designated official to authorize or

approve PDT, an official “acting” is authorized to sign the service agreement or travel order as “acting.”

Issuance of a travel order for a TDY trip, a blanket order, or for invitational travel must adhere to the

following conditions:

1. Issuance is subject to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST)

4650.11(series), “Policies and Procedures for Official Temporary Duty Travel to Military and Civilian

Installations, Activities, and Units,” concerning an official visit to a military installation and to

OPNAVINST 5510.1(series), “Department of the Navy Security Program Regulation,” Chapter 16, for

duty involving access to classified material.

2. An official authorized to issue a TDY travel order or an ITA may delegate in writing to a

subordinate official the authority to sign such an order “by direction.”

Table 2. Navy Delegation of Authority for Issuing Travel Orders

Type of Travel Order

TDY

(Individual

PDT ITA

OCONUS

Involving

Other Incl

CONUS First

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

Trip and

Blanket)

Employment

Agreements

Duty Station

Travel

Secretary of the Navy

Yes

Under Secretary of the Navy

Yes

Deputy Under Secretary for Manpower

Yes

Assistant Secretaries of the Navy

Yes

Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy

Yes

Commandant, Assistant Commandant, and

Director,

U.S. Marine Corp (

USMC

)

Staff

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Chief, Deputy Chief, Vice Chief, and

Assistant Chief of Bureaus and Offices and the

Head of an Office of the Navy Department

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Auditor General of the Navy and Director,

Naval Audit Service

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Director

each Naval Audit Service Region

Yes

Representative of the Office of the Deputy

Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Civilian

Personnel/Equal Employment

Opportunity)

Yes Yes Yes No

Commander and Vice Commander of Naval

Systems Command HQs

Yes Yes Yes No

Commander, Deputy Commander and Chief

of Staff, Military Sealift Command

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Director, Defense Printing Service

Yes

Director, Naval Training Aids Center

Yes

Executive Assistant to the Commander and

Administrative Officer, Naval Facilities

Engineering Command Headquarters

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Chairman, Armed Services Board of Contract

Appeals

Yes Yes Yes No

Commanding Officer or Executive Officer and

the Head of an Activity of the Department of

the Navy

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Director, Assistant Director, and Recruiting

Representative of OCONUS and Return

Placement Staff

No Yes No No

Director of Civilian Personnel and Industrial

Relations Officer

No Yes Yes No

Industrial Relations Officer and the Director

of Industrial Relations Divisions in all MSC

Commands and each Military Sealift

Command Recruiting Representative

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of

the Dependents Schooling Office, Atlantic

No Yes No No

Deputy Assistant Director for Career Services,

Naval Investigative Service Headquarters

No Yes Yes No

C. Air Force Requirements to Delegate Authority.

1. Travel orders for a TDY are subject to advance notification, clearance requirements, and

restrictions in Air Force Instruction 31-501, “Personnel Security Program Management.”

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

2. An official authorized to issue a TDY travel order or an ITA may delegate in writing to a

subordinate official the authority to sign an order “by direction.”

Table 3. Air Force Delegation of Authority for Issuing Travel Orders

Type of Travel

TDY PDT ITA

Secretary of the

Air Force

Prior authorization by the Administrative

Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force

is required to issue a blanket TDY travel

authorization for a civilian employee of the

Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.*

Responsibility

for issuing a

PCS travel

order belongs

to a

commander

who has

received

delegated

authority to fill

positions, a

commander

who is

responsible for

filling

requisitions and

processing

appointments

OCONUS, the

commander of

an activity in

which one

individual is

employed, or

the commander

of a gaining

activity, as

appropriate,

with regard to

the PCS travel

type involved.

Refer to

paragraph C2

in, “Delegation

of Authority.”

Chief of Staff,

U.S. Air Force

Prior authorization is required to issue a

blanket TDY travel authorization for a

Headquarters, U.S. Air Force civilian

employee.*

Commander,

Major Air

Command, FOA,

DRU

Authority to issue a blanket travel order

may be re-delegated to a subordinate

command. Prior authorization is required

for a blanket TDY travel order. The order

may be for a specific project, period of

time, or without limitation—other than the

fiscal year

—

when justified.*

Commander,

Intermediate

Echelon

Prior authorization is required for each of

the following:

 A TDY for 181 or more days. This

authority may be re-delegated to a

subordinate command.

 To issue a blanket TDY travel order.

The order may be for a specific project,

period of time, or without limitation—

other than the fiscal year—when

justified. This authority may be re-

delegated to

a subordinate command

When delegated

by the

responsible

major air

command.

Commander,

Activity, Wing,

Group, or

Squadron

Commander,

North American

Air Defense

Command

Refer to paragraph C2 in, “Delegation of

Authority.”

Refer to

paragraph C2

in, “Delegation

of Authority.”

The Adjutant

General of a State

or Territory

Authority to issue a travel order other than for invitational

travel applies only to Air National Guard civilian technicians.

*A blanket travel order is not used in DTS.

Required Forms to Complete Travel Order

A. Temporary Duty Travel. Use the DD Form 1610 (Request and Authorization for TDY Travel

of DoD Personnel) for all official TDY travel and as indicated in Section 1.

B. Permanent Duty Travel. Use DD Form 1614 (Request and Authorization for DoD Civilian

Permanent Duty or Temporary Change of Station (TCS) Travel) as a request and order for all official

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

travel by a civilian employee and family on a PCS or TCS order. Instructions for completing DD Form

1614 are on the DTMO website. DD Form 1614 cannot be used for a contractor’s travel.

Preparing a Travel Order

In addition to the provisions in Section 1, complete the following steps when preparing a travel order

for a DoD civilian employee.

A. Verify Civilian Employee’s Status. An administrative determination must be made in

accordance with civilian personnel policy about whether the civilian employee is in a duty, leave, or other

non-duty status (see DoDI 1400.25, Vol. 630). For a funded order to be issued, the civilian employee

must be in a duty status. When a civilian employee is in a leave status and a funded order is issued, he or

she enters a duty status to carry out the order (FTR § 301-71.108).

B. Number Each Travel Order. Each authorized issuing office must assign an identifying

number or symbol to each travel order and cite it as reference in related documents and records when

necessary. Order identification must be as specified in Service regulations.

C. Authorize by Seal or Signature. A travel order is “authorized” by affixing the AO’s seal or

signature. Authorization must include the printed name and title. It must also include a written,

facsimile, or electronic signature, or a seal. An electronic signature must meet the security and privacy

requirements established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for electronic data

interchange. The electronic signature can be digital, as discussed by the Comptroller General in B-

261647, June 26, 1995, when it meets all of the following requirements (FTR § 301-71.3):

1. It is unique to the signer.

2. It is under the signer’s sole control.

3. It is capable of being verified.

4. It is linked to the data in such a manner that if the data is changed, the signature is

invalidated.

D. Address Conflicts with the JTR. A written order should also include notice that if the order

conflicts with the JTR, the JTR policy governs (CBCA 2143-RELO, January 11, 2011).

E. Identify Commercial Transportation Use. On the travel order, state the commercial

transportation use for PDT OCONUS and renewal agreement travel (RAT) when commercial

transportation methods are authorized for any portion of the journey to, from, or between stations

OCONUS, in connection with initial appointment, reassignment, transfer, or RAT. The office processing

the appointment, transfer, or RAT order must request the Transportation Officer place an endorsement on

a copy of the civilian employee’s travel order.

1. The endorsement must include the civilian employee’s name, the civilian employee’s

grade or rating, the issue date, the points between which transportation is furnished at Government

expense, and the serial numbers of the transportation requests issued for the travel.

2. The endorsed copy is placed in the civilian employee’s official personnel folder.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

F. Provide Copies for Distribution. The required number of copies of a travel order for

distribution depends on the circumstances and the Service organization concerned. In addition to the

original and copies that a traveler may be required to submit with a travel claim (see financial

management regulations), the traveler must be furnished sufficient copies to support all of the following,

as necessary:

1. Issuance of Government-procured transportation.

2. Travel advances.

3. Household goods (HHG) transportation and storage.

4. Transportation of unaccompanied dependents.

5. Transportation by Military Sealift Command.

6. Transportation by Air Mobility Command.

7. Immunizations and inoculations, passport, visa, and green cards (see the JTR, Section

0204).

8. Administrative requirements, including for a record in the civilian employee’s personnel

folder, for PCS travel OCONUS.

G. Include Standard Content on Travel Orders. A travel order that does not have a box to check

for a particular allowance must include a statement authorizing the allowance. In addition to the standard

content in Section 1, the following information must be included on each travel order (FTR § 301-10.5).

A statement that the civilian employee is authorized to travel as well as the following specific language in

applicable circumstances:

1. A statement that “The Travel and Transportation Reform Act (TTRA) of 1998 stipulates

that the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) must be used by all U.S. Government personnel

(civilian and military) to pay for costs incurred for official business travel unless specifically exempted by

the authority of the [Choose either the “Administrator of the General Services Administration” or the

official title of the person who heads the traveler’s Agency].” This statement is required whether or not

the traveler holds a GTCC IBA.

2. A statement indicating that using a TMC to arrange official travel is mandatory. If a TMC

is not available or is not being used, the travel order must include the details explaining why. Each DoD

Component has a contractual arrangement with a TMC requiring that all official transportation be

arranged through the TMC, if the TMC can provide the required official transportation arrangements.

3. A statement indicating that available GSA City Pair Program airfare should be used for

official travel unless one of the five exceptions for the use of a City Pair Program contract carrier applies

(see the DTMO website). The travel order must include a detailed explanation on why the City Pair

Program airfare was not used. For example, “Space on a scheduled contract flight is not available in time

to accomplish the travel purpose.”

4. If circuitous travel is authorized, a statement about whether it is for official or personal

reasons. All travel locations must be clearly identified as either official or personal, as applicable. State

that the traveler is financially responsible for any excess cost.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

5. A statement that if the order conflicts with the JTR, the JTR prevails (CBCA 2143-RELO,

January 11, 2011).

6 A statement justifying that alternate means, such as secure video-teleconference or other

web-based communication, is insufficient to accomplish travel objectives.

H. Consider Circumstances of Assignment. When a civilian employee is on a TDY order, a DoD

Component must carefully review the circumstances of his or her TDY assignment before issuing a PCS

notification to avoid imposing TDY per diem costs on the civilian employee. A civilian employee should

be permitted to complete a TDY assignment and then return to the PDS from the TDY location to arrange

for a residence sale, dependent transportation, and HHG transportation before performing PCS travel to

the new PDS and reporting for duty on the PCS effective date. Refer to the JTR, Chapter 2 for the impact

on per diem when a TDY location becomes a PDS.

I. Obtain or Provide Specific Authorization or Specific Approval. All of the following travel

arrangements or details require specific authorization before travel begins or specific approval after travel

ends (FTR § 301-2.5):

1. Use of premium-class service on an airplane, train, bus, or ship (see the JTR, paragraph

020206).

2. Use of extra-fare train service (see the JTR, paragraph 020206).

3. Use of a non-U.S. flag airplane or ship (see the JTR, paragraph 020206).

4. Estimated cost of travel. This applies to blanket travel orders, too. A blanket order should

include a cost estimate for the period covered.

5. That the civilian employee is authorized to travel.

6. That return travel is authorized during a long-term TDY, if that is the case. This travel is

an exception to the policy of scheduling travel during regular hours of duty. The travel order must state

that return travel to the PDS during a long-term TDY is authorized at Government expense, or it can be

approved after travel is performed with an amendment to the travel order or on a travel voucher.

However, the authorized return should be performed outside the civilian employee’s regular duty hours or

during authorized leave periods.

J. Make Advance Arrangements. All of the following travel arrangements require either a

written or an electronic advance order:

1. Reimbursement limitations for travel by an unauthorized transportation mode or route

must be stated on the travel order under which a dependent travels.

2. Reduced per diem rate payment (see the JTR, paragraph 020308).

3. Acceptance of payment from a non-Federal source for travel expenses in accordance with

DoD 5500.7-R, “Joint Ethics Regulation (JER).”

4. Payment of travel expenses related to conference attendance.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

Specific Requirements Based on Type of DoD Civilian Travel

A. Sea Trial Travel Order. A travel order to participate in a sea trial is a specific type of TDY

order. One travel order may be issued for all civilian employees traveling together on a sea trial trip when

the only per diem authorized is the per diem payable while they are aboard the Government ship. A copy

of the travel order must be provided to each civilian employee concerned. The written travel order must

include:

1. The names of the civilian employees assigned to the particular sea trial trip.

2. Per diem authorization and rate.

3. Duty dates.

4. Accounting data.

B. Specific Order Requirements for PCS Travel. Table 4 specifies order requirements for a

civilian employee’s PCS travel. Table 5 specifies additional requirements based on the location of a

civilian employee’s PCS travel. A travel order to the first PDS must contain the same basic information

specified in Tables 5 and 6 and state that the travel type is “travel to first duty station (5 U.S.C. § 5723).”

Unless TDY en route is specified on the PCS order, conditions and instructions that obviously are

applicable only for TDY travel, including security clearance, should be omitted.

Table 4. Specific Order Requirements for All Civilian PCS Travel

Mandatory Order Requirements Order Requirements, When Applicable

A travel order must state the specific allowances

authorized and any additional procedures that the

civilian employee must follow (FTR § 302-2.104).

A PCS travel order must always include the

following:

 The travel type is “PCS travel.”

 The name and location of the old PDS.

 The name and location of the new PDS.

 The reporting date at the new PDS.

 The maximum HHG weight the civilian

employee may transport. Include all of the

following:

o Authorization for storage in transit (SIT).

o Origin and destination of the HHG

shipment when it is different from the

civilian employee’s destination.

o The transportation method and whether

the HHG shipment will be reimbursed:

 To the traveler based on the

commuted rate schedule.

 To the shipper by Government bill of

lading.

 To the traveler for the actual expense

incurred (arranged by the civilian

employee with reimbursement limited

 The name and relationship of each eligible

dependent who is authorized to travel and

each child’s birth date.

 Whether a dependent is accompanying the

civilian employee or traveling separately. If

traveling separately, then when and by which

transportation mode, if known, and each

dependent’s travel origin and destination point

when it is different from the civilian

employee’s destination.

 Authorization for transporting excess

accompanied baggage in accordance with

Service or Agency regulations. The statement

should advise the traveler that he or she

should be financially prepared to pay any

charges for excess accompanied baggage and

will be reimbursed after travel is completed.

Unauthorized excess accompanied baggage

can be approved after travel begins with an

amendment to the order.

 That a service agreement has been signed.

 Authorization for a temporary quarters

subsistence expense (TQSE) allowance, if

necessary, for the civilian employee,

dependent, or both. Specify whether the

TQSE type is “actual expense”

(TQSE(AE))

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

to the cost of a Government-arranged

move).

o How the civilian employee intends to

fulfill the personal financial responsibility

for charges not allowed at Government

expense when HHG is shipped as part of a

Government-arranged move.

or “lump sum” and the number of days

authorized as specified in the JTR. Do not

reduce the number of TQSE(AE) days on an

order by the number of days authorized for a

house-hunting trip (HHT); any reduction is

taken when the travel voucher is computed.

 Statement that “mobile home transportation is

in lieu of HHG transportation,” and list the

transportation method, how the mobile home

transportation will be reimbursed, and the

origin and destination points.

 Whether a POV shipment is authorized.

 Transfer from another Agency with no break

in service following return for separation after

satisfactorily completing an overseas tour.

 Authorization for relocation services due to a

hardship situation and only if supported by

Agency policy. This must be documented on

the initial PCS travel order. When

authorization for relocation services is

contingent on certain conditions, state the

supporting authority and limitations in the

Remarks section

C. Additional PCS Order Requirements. In addition to the requirements for all PCS travel

orders, a travel order may require the information specified in Table 5 based on the location of the civilian

employee’s PCS travel.

Table 5. Additional Order Requirements based on Location of Civilian Employee’s PCS Travel

PCS Travel in the CONUS

PCS Travel OCONUS

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

 Authorization for one round trip for the

civilian employee, spouse, or both together to

seek a permanent residence, and specifying

the transportation mode, type of

reimbursement, and the maximum time

allowed for the trip.

 Authorization for HHG non-temporary storage

due to a transfer or appointment to an isolated

PDS.

 Authorization for reimbursement of real estate

and unexpired-lease expenses.

 Authorization to use a POV for PCS travel.

 Authorization for relocation services and a list

of which ones, such as “home sale,” “home-

marketing assistance,” or “home-finding

assistance.”

 Authorization for the Home Marketing

Incentive Payment if earned in accordance

with the JTR, paragraph 054607, “Home

Marketing Incentive Payments (HMIP).”

 That a reduction in force or function transfer

is due to base closure.

 That use of more than two POVs within the

same household has been authorized or

approved for PCS through the Secretarial

Process.

 Specify that the purpose is reassignment

between two PDSs, initial appointment to a

PDS OCONUS, round-trip RAT, separation,

or advance-return travel.

 The actual residence, as appropriate.

 The duration in days if delay or leave en route

is authorized.

 The transportation modes. Circuitous route

travel for personal reasons may not be

authorized at Government expense.

 The prohibition of the use of commercial

transportation modes when Government

transportation facilities make the travel

reservations.

 The maximum HHG weight the civilian

employee may transport or store along with

the following:

o Any weight limitation imposed by the

OCONUS command.

o The weight allowance for authorized

consumables.

o That concurrent, delayed, or partial

shipment is authorized if assignment is to

a PDS OCONUS.

 That concurrent movement of dependents and

HHG to a PDS OCONUS is prohibited by

command authority.

 An alternate travel origin or destination point

allowed in the JTR. The order must state that

the Government’s travel and transportation

cost is limited to the cost of authorized

transportation modes taking the usual route to

the PDS OCONUS from the actual residence

or from the old PDS.

 Authorization for ocean-going car ferries.

 Authorization for property management

services.

 Authorization of temporary quarter

subsistence allowance or foreign transfer

allowance

D. Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT). In addition to the requirements for all PCS OCONUS

travel orders, a travel order for RAT OCONUS must add that it is PCS travel “for RAT” and must include

the following additional requirements:

1. Authorization for travel from the PDS OCONUS to the actual residence, or specified

alternate location, and return to the PDS OCONUS.

2. The number of leave days granted.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

3. That “This civilian employee completed the minimum period of service for this command

and signed a new eligibility renewal agreement on [date].”

4. The applicable accounting classification citations and information.

5. The reporting date for duty at the PDS OCONUS following the RAT.

6. Weight limits for accompanied baggage.

7. Authorization of HHG temporary storage, if applicable.

8. Specific instructions about where, when, and how to submit passports and requests for re-

validation, renewal, or visas.

9. Instructions about arranging for port notification for return travel, and when and where the

traveler must be available for receiving a port call.

D. Temporary Change of Station (TCS). Table 6 specifies order requirements for a civilian

employee’s TCS travel.

Table 6. All Civilian TCS Travel

Mandatory Order Requirements Order Requirements, When Applicable

 All of the following TCS require a separate

travel order:

o Assigning the civilian employee from the

PDS to a TCS location.

o Returning the civilian employee from the

TCS location to the PDS.

o Returning the civilian employee from the

TCS location to the PDS if the TCS

location becomes the civilian employee’s

new PDS.

o Assigning the TCS location as the new

PDS.

o Authorizing the civilian employee to

return to the former PDS.

 Each travel order must reference any prior,

related TCS travel order.

 A TCS travel order must contain the same

information specified in Table 4 and state:

o The specific allowances and procedures

authorized in the JTR.

o That the travel type is “Temporary

Change of Station (TCS) travel.”

o That the purpose is assignment to the TCS

location, return from the TCS location,

changing the TCS location to a new PDS,

or return to the former PDS when the TCS

location becomes a PDS.

o The name and location of the PDS.

The

TCS

location and the station’s name

 The name and relationship of each eligible

dependent who is authorized to travel and

each child’s birth date.

 Whether a dependent is accompanying the

civilian employee or traveling separately. If

traveling separately, then when and by which

transportation mode, if known, and each

dependent’s travel origin and destination point

when it is different from the civilian

employee’s destination.

 Authorization for transporting excess

accompanied baggage in accordance with

Service or Agency regulations. The statement

should advise travelers that they should be

financially prepared to pay any charges for

excess accompanied baggage and will be

reimbursed after travel is completed.

Unauthorized excess accompanied baggage

can be approved after travel begins with an

amendment to the order.

 Authorization of HHT. Specify the

transportation mode, whether the

reimbursement type is “actual expense” or

“lump sum,” and the maximum time allowed.

 Authorization for a TQSE allowance, if

necessary, for the civilian employee,

dependent, or both. Specify whether the

TQSE type is “actual expense” or “lump sum”

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

o The reporting date at the TCS location or

PDS.

 The maximum HHG weight the civilian

employee may transport. Include all of the

following:

o Authorization for SIT.

o Origin and destination of the HHG

shipment when it is different from the

civilian employee’s destination.

o The transportation method and whether

the HHG shipment will be reimbursed:

 To the traveler based on the

commuted rate schedule.

 To the shipper by Government bill of

lading.

 To the traveler for the actual expense

incurred (arranged by the civilian

employee with reimbursement limited

to the cost of a Government-arranged

move).

o How the civilian employee intends to

fulfill the personal financial responsibility

for charges not allowed at Government

expense when HHG is shipped as part of a

Government

arranged move.

and the number of days authorized as

specified in the JTR.

 For TCS travel OCONUS, include:

o The number of days if delay or leave en

route is authorized.

o The transportation modes.

o The prohibition of the use of commercial

transportation modes when Government

transportation facilities make the travel

reservations.

o Any HHG limitation imposed by the PDS

OCONUS and whether concurrent,

delayed, or partial shipment is authorized.

o That concurrent movement of a dependent

and HHG to a PDS OCONUS is

prohibited by command authority.

o Authorization of POV shipment.

o Authorization for property management

services.

Amending a DoD Civilian Travel Order

A. Amendment to a Travel Order. Amendments to a DoD civilian employee’s travel order

follow the same provisions as in Section 1 in addition to the requirements in Section 3.

B. Reasons for Issuing an Amendment. An amended order may be issued for any of the

following reasons:

1. To recognize an essential aspect of travel not known in advance.

2. To change the time period or place of a TDY assignment.

3. To include omitted pertinent information.

4. To change allowances for unperformed travel or duty.

5. To correct erroneous information or clerical errors that do not affect reimbursement

retroactively.

C. Effect of Amendment on Allowances. The effective date of the amendment is the issuance

date unless a later date is specified. An amendment that changes an allowance amount should be made

effective on a date that a civilian employee may be reasonably expected to receive the amendment.

Otherwise, advance notification of the effective date should be furnished to the civilian employee

concerned.

Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Commit

(PDTATAC)

/07/2024

TRAVEL ORDERS

D. How to Amend a Travel Order. The AO amends a travel order by issuing an official

document citing the original travel order by number and stating the effective date, pertinent changes,

additions, and deletions. The amendment is normally issued using the same standard form as the original

travel order (DD Form 1610 or DD Form 1614) and states that it is an “amendment.”

E. Rescinding a Travel Order. A travel order may be rescinded when authorized travel is not

performed. An unused travel order must be returned promptly to the AO with an appropriate explanation.

That official must have the travel order canceled and a copy of the cancellation furnished to the officials

as required by Service regulations.

1. A travel order cannot be rescinded if a civilian employee has traveled or incurred expenses

that must be reimbursed under the issued order (GSBCA 15647-RELO, September 20, 2001).

2. Incurred expenses initiated by the civilian employee based on an anticipated travel order

are not reimbursable (CBCA 1370-RELO, January 22, 2009).

SECTION 4: INVITATIONAL TRAVEL AUTHORIZATIONS

A. Issuing an Invitational Travel Authorizations (ITA). An ITA is issued to allow an individual

who is not a Government civilian employee or a Service member to travel using Government funds. An

example of an ITA is on the DTMO website. An ITA, DD Form 1610, or DD Form 1614 may not be

used to authorize travel and transportation for a contractor or a contractor’s employee to travel in the

performance of a contract. Refer to the JTR, Section 0305.

B. ITA Content: An ITA must state that it is for ‘Invitational Travel,” and must include the

following:

1. Requested or approved travel date.

2. Traveler’s name and home address

3. Traveler’s position title, employer, and business address, if applicable.

4. Date travel begins.

5. Number of assignment days.

6. Assignment purpose.

7. Locations where travel begins and ends.

8. Location of the assignment or an itinerary.

9. Authorized transportation modes.

10. Authorized travel allowances, conditions, limitations, and instructions.

11. Full name, title, and signature of the AO or travel-directing official

12 Accounting citation.