Information is current as of February 18, 2025
Navigating travel reimbursements, especially within the Defense Travel System (DTS) for Inactive Duty Training (IDT), can often bring up questions, particularly regarding expenses like rental cars. For members engaged in IDT, understanding what travel expenses are authorized and how to ensure timely reimbursement is crucial. This guide provides updated information based on the Travel Reimbursement Office as of February 18, 2025, and addresses common queries related to IDT travel, including whether rental cars are authorized within the IDT program.
Current Voucher Processing Timelines
To begin, let’s look at the current processing times for travel vouchers. Understanding these timelines can help you anticipate when to expect your reimbursement.
- MYFSS Vouchers: Currently processing 149 cases.
- RTS Vouchers: Working on vouchers submitted around February 5, 2025.
- DTS (AT, MPA, RPA) Vouchers: Processing vouchers signed around February 14, 2025. There are currently 129 vouchers awaiting review. Once reviewed, these will be forwarded to the detachment for approval.
- DTS (IDT Travel, Mileage Only) Vouchers: Processing vouchers submitted around February 13, 2025. These vouchers, focusing on IDT travel and mileage, go directly to approval after member submission, streamlining the process.
- DTS (IDT Lodging) Vouchers: Currently approving vouchers reviewed around February 13, 2025.
- PCS Vouchers: Processing vouchers submitted around February 5, 2025.
Due to seasonal increases in voucher volume, please expect processing timelines of up to 30 business days from complete and accurate voucher submission to the Travel Reimbursement Office (TRO) until payment is received.
Important Note: After technician review, vouchers undergo an audit before payment processing. Following the audit, allow approximately 14 business days for the Advice of Payment (AOP) to be generated in myPay and for payment to be deposited into your account or Government Travel Card (GTC).
Are Rental Cars Authorized for IDT Travel?
While the original article update does not explicitly state whether rental cars are authorized for IDT travel, it’s essential to understand the general guidelines and where to find definitive answers. Typically, for IDT travel, reimbursement focuses on minimizing costs. Mileage reimbursement for Personally Owned Vehicles (POV) is a standard option. The authorization of rental cars for IDT travel is less common and generally requires specific justification and pre-approval.
To determine if a rental car is authorized for your specific IDT travel scenario, and to understand the conditions under which it might be approved, you should:
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Consult the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR): The JTR is the authoritative source for all travel regulations within the Department of Defense. Reviewing the section on IDT travel and authorized expenses will provide detailed guidance.
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Contact Your Detachment Organizational Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA): Your ODTA is the primary point of contact for DTS support and travel-related questions within your unit. They can provide specific guidance based on your orders and unit policies regarding rental car authorization for IDT.
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Review Your Orders: Your specific IDT orders may contain information regarding authorized modes of transportation and any limitations or specific approvals required for expenses like rental cars.
In many cases, if a rental car is deemed necessary and authorized for IDT travel, it must be justified by factors such as mission requirements, cost-effectiveness compared to other transportation modes in specific circumstances, or when using a POV is not feasible. Pre-approval through your ODTA and proper documentation within your DTS voucher are critical steps to ensure reimbursement for rental car expenses, if authorized.
Actions for Members Regarding Travel Vouchers
To facilitate a smoother reimbursement process, members should take the following actions:
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File Vouchers Promptly: Submit your Travel Voucher within 5 business days of completing travel, as mandated by the JTR.
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Monitor and Respond to Corrections: Regularly check DTS or myFSS for any required corrections to your voucher and respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
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Verify Contact Information: Ensure your email address is accurate in both your DTS and myFSS profiles to receive timely notifications regarding your voucher status.
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Communicate with Your Detachment: If your voucher processing time exceeds the outlined timelines, contact your Detachment promptly. Early communication can help identify and resolve potential issues.
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Manage Government Travel Card (GTC) Balance: If you anticipate delays in reimbursement that may cause your GTC balance to become overdue, or if you expect to reach your credit limit due to frequent travel, immediately discuss placing your GTC in Mission Critical Status with your active component GTC monitor.
By staying informed about processing timelines, understanding travel expense authorizations, and taking proactive steps with your voucher submissions, you can navigate the DTS process more effectively and ensure timely reimbursement for your authorized travel expenses, including clarifying the authorization of rental cars for IDT if needed with your ODTA.
Making Travel Arrangements: Making Travel Arrangements
IDT Travel Guide: IDT Travel
DTS Information: DTS | DTS Training | DTS Website
Document Links:
- DD 1351-2 Travel Voucher or Subvoucher: DD 1351-2
- DD 1351-2C Travel Voucher or Subvoucher Continuation: DD 1351-2C
- DD 1351-3 Statement of Actual Expenses: DD 1351-3
- Optional Form 1164 Claim for Reimbursement for Expenditures on Official Business: Optional Form 1164
- Certification of Missing or Lost Receipt: Certification of Missing or Lost Receipt
- FMS2231 – Direct Deposit Form: FMS2231
GTCC Policies: GTCC Policies
For further assistance:
- TFSC: 1-800-525-0102 (DSN: 665-0102)
- AFRC/FM Systems Help Desk: 1-877-294-5822 (DSN: 497-0166), [email protected] (AROWS-R), [email protected] (UTAPSweb). Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday excluding Federal Holidays, UTA Weekend Hours: 1000-1400 EST per UTA Support Schedule
- DTS Support: Contact your detachment Organizational Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA).
