Five Common TDY Travel Voucher Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Travel voucher errors delay reimbursement and create frustration. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures you get paid quickly after your TDY ends.

Missing Receipts

Keep receipts for lodging, rental cars, fuel, and any expense over $75. Take photos of receipts immediately upon receiving them. Paper receipts fade quickly and get lost in luggage during travel. Store digital copies in a dedicated folder on your phone.

Wrong Dates

Your voucher dates must match your orders and actual travel. Discrepancies trigger audits and delays. Double-check departure and return dates before submission. Even minor errors require correction and restart the approval process.

Incorrect Per Diem Claims

Don’t claim full per diem for days meals were provided. Conference meals, government-provided meals, and DFAC meals require per diem adjustments. Check your daily log to ensure accuracy.

Late Submission

Submit your voucher within five business days of returning. Late vouchers face additional scrutiny and processing delays. Set a calendar reminder before you even leave for TDY.

Missing Authorizations

Any expense outside normal TDY costs needs pre-approval. Unauthorized expenses get denied regardless of necessity. When in doubt, ask before spending.

The Bottom Line

Take time to prepare accurate vouchers. A few extra minutes reviewing your submission prevents weeks of waiting for corrections. Keep organized records throughout your trip and your voucher practically writes itself.