Creating DTS Authorizations

Start Here If You Are New to DTS Authorizations

A DTS authorization is the pre-travel approval that funds your trip and books your reservations. Build the authorization in DTS, add the itinerary (where you are going and when), book reservations (City Pair air, DoD rental car, lodging at the GSA per diem rate), estimate the per diem and other expenses, select the Line of Accounting (LOA), add any required comments, sign the authorization, and route it to the AO. The AO approves before you depart. Without an approved authorization, the Government has no obligation to reimburse you. Per JTR Chapters 4-5, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, and DTMO DTS Guide 2.

This page walks you through creating a DTS authorization from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The pre-authorization checklist (orders, profile, AO, LOA)
• Itinerary build (start, stop, duration)
• Booking air via City Pair, rental car, and lodging
• Expense estimation and the per diem framework
• LOA selection and unit funding
• Comments to the AO
• Signing and routing the authorization
• AO approval expectations

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapters 4-5, MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, DODFMR Volume 9DODFMR Volume 9, the DTMO DTS Guide 2, and the DoD City Pair and Rental Car Programs.

Pre-Authorization Checklist

Before you start the authorization in DTS, confirm.

• You have the orders document (TDY orders, conference invitation, or PCS orders).
• Your DTS profile is current. The DTS Profile and Setup leaf covers profile updates.
• Your GTCC information in DTS is current.
• You know the funding LOA (typically provided by the unit S-3 or the funding command).
• You know the AO who will approve.
• You have estimated travel dates (start and end), destination, and purpose.

Step 1. Open a New Authorization

1. Log in to https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
2. Navigate to Official Travel > Authorizations / Orders.
3. Click Create New Authorization.
4. Select the trip type (TDY, PCS, etc.) and trip purpose.

Step 2. Build the Itinerary

The itinerary captures where you are going, when you arrive, and when you depart.

Start and Stop

• Trip start date (typically the date you depart your PDS).
• Trip end date (typically the date you return to your PDS).

Trip Duration

DTS calculates duration from start and end. For multi-leg trips with intermediate destinations, add each leg.

Mode of Travel

Specify the mode for each leg.

• Air (commercial via City Pair).
• POV (privately owned vehicle, mileage at GSA rate).
• Rental car (when authorized).
• Rail or bus.

Step 3. Book Air Travel

City Pair Program (Mandatory When Available)

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040301, the DoD City Pair Program is mandatory for air travel when a City Pair fare is available for the route.

How to Book

1. In the authorization itinerary, select the air leg.
2. DTS displays available City Pair fares for the route.
3. Select the City Pair option.
4. DTS reserves the seat and charges the GTCC.

City Pair Benefits

• Lower than commercial fares.
• Fully refundable.
• No advance purchase requirement.
• No Saturday-night stay requirement.

Exceptions to City Pair

If City Pair is unavailable for the route or a lower-cost alternative exists (rare and documented), DTS allows commercial fare booking. Justification is required in the comments.

Coach Class Default

Per JTR, coach class is the default. Premium class (business or first) requires specific JTR justification (medical, flight over 14 hours, no coach available) and AO authorization.

Step 4. Book Rental Car (If Authorized)

When Rental Car Is Authorized

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040401.

• Mission requires transportation between dispersed sites.
• Public transportation is impractical.
• Operational requirement (e.g., transporting equipment).

DoD Rental Car Program

DTS books rental cars at the DoD rate (lower than commercial). Available companies and vehicle classes display in DTS.

Vehicle Class

Default to compact or intermediate. Larger vehicles require justification.

Insurance

The DoD rate includes standard insurance. Do NOT purchase additional insurance (Loss Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance) at Government expense.

Step 5. Book Lodging

GSA Per Diem Rate Cap

Per JTR Chapter 2, lodging is reimbursed up to the GSA per diem rate for the locality.

Marine Corps Installation Destinations

Per MARADMIN 234/26MARADMIN 234/26 effective 25 May 2026, set the TDY destination as the installation (not the surrounding city or town) when the TDY destination is a Marine Corps installation. Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps are the Marine Corps official lodging facilities. They are bookable directly in DTS. Use is mandatory under the Integrated Lodging Program for both military and civilian travelers.

How to Book

1. In the authorization itinerary, select the lodging leg.
2. DTS displays GSA per diem cap for the locality.
3. Search for available hotels at or below the cap. Marine Corps official lodging shows first at Marine Corps installations.
4. Select the property. Select Marine Corps lodging when the destination is a Marine Corps installation.
5. DTS reserves and charges the GTCC.

Above-Cap Lodging

If no available lodging falls within the per diem cap, the Marine may request Authorized Excess Allowance (AEA). The AO reviews and approves AEA based on JTR criteria. The TDY Lodging page covers AEA in detail.

Long-Term TDY

For TDY over 30 days at one location, reduced per diem may apply per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040501. Consider apartment-style or extended-stay lodging. The Long-Term TDY page covers this framework.

Step 6. Estimate Expenses

DTS pre-populates many expenses based on the itinerary and per diem rates.

Per Diem (Lodging + M&IE)

Per JTR Chapter 2.

• Lodging actual cost up to the GSA cap.
• M&IE at the locality rate (typically $59 to $79 per day for CONUS).
• First and last day at 75 percent of M&IE.

Other Expenses

Add specific expenses.

• Conference or training fees.
• Local transportation (taxi, rideshare).
• Authorized parking and tolls.
• Gratuities (within reasonable limits).
• Telephone and other miscellaneous.

Government-Furnished Meals

If government meals are available at the TDY site, the proportional meal rate applies. The Marine cannot self-impose deductions. The AO authorizes government meal availability based on the orders.

The TDY Per Diem page covers the proportional meal rate.

Step 7. Select the Line of Accounting (LOA)

The LOA identifies the funding source.

How LOA Works

The unit S-3 or funding command provides the LOA before authorization creation. The LOA is a specific code that maps to the unit's accounting structure in DAI.

Default LOA

DTS suggests a default LOA based on your organizational placement. Verify the suggested LOA matches the funding source.

Cross-Org Funding

If another command funds the trip (cross-org), the LOA from the funding command applies. The unit ODTA configures cross-org access.

IDT Travel Reimbursement LOA

For SMCR Marines claiming IDT travel reimbursement per MARADMIN 157/25MARADMIN 157/25, MARFORRES manages the IDT LOA. Verify with your unit AC/S G-1 that you are on the eligibility roster before submitting. The IDT Travel Reimbursement leaf covers this framework.

Step 8. Comments to the Authorizing Official

Use the Comments section to.

• Justify exceptions (premium class flight, AEA lodging, rental car).
• Note government meal availability.
• Document mission criticality.
• Reference specific orders or directives.

Clear comments speed AO approval and reduce return-for-correction events.

Step 9. Sign the Authorization

After all sections are complete.

1. Review the authorization summary.
2. Verify itinerary, reservations, expenses, LOA, and comments.
3. Click Sign.
4. DTS routes the authorization to the AO.

Step 10. AO Approval

The AO reviews the authorization and approves, returns for correction, or denies.

Standard AO Approval Timeline

Per MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, AOs aim to approve within 5 working days of receipt. For short-notice or operationally critical travel, the AO can prioritize.

Approved Authorization

Once approved.

• Reservations are ticketed (typically within 1-2 business days).
• The Marine receives confirmation.
• The trip is funded and obligated in DAI.

Returned for Correction

If the AO returns the authorization, address the comments and resubmit.

Denied Authorization

If the authorization is denied, coordinate with the AO and chain of command to resolve. Common denial reasons include unauthorized expenses, missing justifications, or scope outside JTR.

Updating an Approved Authorization

After approval, the authorization may need updates due to.

• Schedule changes (delayed travel, earlier return).
• Itinerary changes (added or removed leg).
• Reservation changes (different hotel, different rental car).
• Expense additions (newly identified costs).

How to Update

1. Open the approved authorization.
2. Click Adjust.
3. Make the necessary changes.
4. Sign and re-route to the AO for approval of the adjustment.

Avoid Cancellation Unless Trip Will Not Execute

Per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25, do NOT cancel an authorization for a trip that was actually executed. Erroneous cancellation removes the ability to submit a supplemental reimbursement. The Trip Cancellations in DTS leaf covers when to cancel.

Common Questions Marines Ask

Do I have to use City Pair?

Yes when available. Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040301, City Pair is mandatory when a City Pair fare is available for the route. Exceptions are limited and documented.

When is rental car authorized?

When the mission requires transportation between dispersed sites or public transportation is impractical. AO authorization is required. Default to compact or intermediate class.

What if my lodging exceeds the per diem cap?

Request Authorized Excess Allowance (AEA). The AO approves based on JTR criteria. Document the AEA justification.

How long does AO approval take?

Per MCO 4650.39AMCO 4650.39A, target 5 working days. Short-notice trips can be expedited. Coordinate with the AO if urgent.

Can I book lodging outside DTS?

Generally no. DTS is the mandated booking system for official travel lodging. Exceptions exist (e.g., government quarters not bookable in DTS) and require AO approval.

What is the LOA?

Line of Accounting. The funding source code for your trip. The unit S-3 or funding command provides it. DTS suggests a default based on your organizational placement.

When do I need to add comments?

For exceptions, justifications, or unusual circumstances. Premium class, AEA lodging, rental car authorization, mission criticality, and government meal availability are common comment items.

What if my trip changes after approval?

Open the authorization, click Adjust, make the changes, and re-route to the AO. Do NOT cancel unless the trip will not execute.

How do I know my authorization was approved?

DTS sends a notification to the email in your profile. Check the authorization status in DTS (Approved / Returned / Pending).

Can I start the trip before approval?

Generally no. The Government's obligation to reimburse begins at AO approval. Trip costs incurred before approval may not be reimbursed.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DTS technical issues. The unit Defense Travel Administrator (DTA).
• City Pair flight booking. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• Rental car authorization questions. The AO and JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040401.
• AEA lodging requests. The AO with JTR justification.
• LOA questions. The unit S-3, funding command, or unit FDTA.
• IDT travel reimbursement LOA. Unit AC/S G-1 or SMB_IDT_TRAVEL@USMC.MIL.
• DTS profile updates. The DTS Profile and Setup leaf or the unit ODTA.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• DTS landing page lists all DTS topics.
• DTS Overview and Authorities covers the program framework.
• DTS Profile and Setup covers profile configuration before authorization creation.
• Submitting DTS Vouchers covers the post-travel voucher workflow.
• Trip Cancellations in DTS covers cancellation framework.
• DTS Voucher Approval Process covers MARADMIN 291/12MARADMIN 291/12 DO/FO routing.
• TDY/TAD Overview and Orders covers the foundational TDY framework.
• TDY Per Diem covers per diem rates.
• TDY Lodging covers lodging rules and AEA.
• TDY Transportation covers transportation modes.
• GTCC Use During TDY covers card use and DTS integration.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on building accurate authorizations and selecting the correct LOA.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS profile updates and AO routing changes.
• Commanders serve as AO and approve authorizations within target timelines.

A DTS authorization is the pre-travel approval that funds your trip and books your reservations. Build itinerary, book City Pair air, DoD rental car, and lodging at GSA per diem rates. Estimate per diem and other expenses. Select the LOA. Add justification comments. Sign and route to the AO. AO approves before departure. Update via Adjust if the trip changes. Do not cancel for executed trips per MARADMIN 359/25MARADMIN 359/25.