DTA Manual, Chapter 1: DTS Overview March 01, 2024
Defense Travel Management Office 3 travel.dod.mil
Chapter 1: Defense Travel System (DTS) Overview
DTS is the DoD’s fully integrated, electronic, end-to-end travel management system for processing Temporary
Duty (TDY) travel documents supporting travelers, Authorizing Officials (AOs), and Defense Travel Administrators
(DTAs). It is available for Service members, DoD Civilian employees, a dependent of a Service member or Civilian
employee and those requiring an invitational order. The information paper, Who May Use DTS provides more
details for system use.
In addition to supporting document processing, reservation booking and ticketing requirements, and timely
payments, the system contains specific programing to adhere to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) policy on
travel and transportation allowances. DTS generates Pre-Audits and Reason Codes requiring justification for
certain travel selections (e.g., larger rental car, or declines for DoD Lodging when available).
The system gives the AO the ability to return a document for correction when not within compliance, limit
reimbursement for transportation (not cost effective), or approve the trip based upon the traveler’s selections,
policy, and the mission needs. For more information about AO responsibilities, see the Desktop Guide for
Authorizing Officials (AOs).
DTS also provides numerous reporting tools allowing DTAs to readily and effectively manage their organization’s
Pre-Travel and Post-Travel needs and support Travel Audits for compliance. DTS retains document data for 10
years (after the last status stamp is applied) to meet reporting requirements. After the retention period, per
records management guidelines, the documents are purged from the system, unless there is an exemption (e.g.,
open debt). You can learn about the different reports, in the DTA Manual, Chapter 10.
To access DTS the user must have a CAC to log in and sign documents, a profile attached to an organization, a
fully compatible web browser (e.g., Chrome or Edge), enabled browser pop-ups and cookies, along with DBsign
(used for signing and authenticating to web based applications), and JAVA (see your local IT for application and
version) loaded on their pc. For more information, see the DTS Home page for First Time Users.
DTS supports two primary types of travel documents: authorizations and vouchers.
• Authorizations. Before a trip begins, the traveler creates an authorization, books reservations,
estimates trip expenses, requests advance or monthly payments if needed, and receives approval to
travel. The AO reviews and approves official travel documents, and DTS interacts with the different
financial systems which obligates funds and pays advances and SPPs.
• Group Authorizations. When multiple personnel are traveler together a group authorization is
available to simplify the order creation process. This document type functions primarily as a typical
authorization with a few additional features. Later, the group auth splits to individual authorizations.
• Vouchers. After official travel ends, the traveler files a voucher from an approved authorization to
claim reimbursement of incurred expenses, payment for earned allowances, and split disburses their
payments to both their personal bank accounts (EFT) and the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC)
vendor.
• Local Voucher. When travel is in and around the PDS, a traveler files a local voucher to claim incurred
expenses.
For a more comprehensive introduction to DTS, see the information paper DTS Background.
This chapter introduces you, the Defense Travel Administrator (DTA), to DTS and the personnel it serves.