DAF Form 988: Leave Request/Authorization Guide & Download – If you’re an active-duty Airman, Guardian, Reservist, or Air National Guard member in the Department of the Air Force (DAF), requesting leave starts with the official DAF Form 988, titled Leave Request/Authorization. This form documents your leave request, secures approval, tracks chargeable days against your leave balance, and ensures proper pay and accountability.
Accurate completion of DAF Form 988 is essential to avoid delays, pay issues, or unauthorized absence problems. Before departing on leave, you must have an approved form (or special orders) and sufficient funds for travel and expenses.
What Is DAF Form 988 and Who Needs It?
DAF Form 988 (previously known as AF IMT 988 or AF Form 988) is the standard multi-part form used across the Department of the Air Force to request and authorize various types of leave and absences. It applies to Regular Air Force, U.S. Space Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard personnel under Title 10 or full-time Title 32 status.
You need it for:
- Ordinary/annual leave (vacation or personal time)
- Emergency leave
- Terminal leave
- Convalescent leave
- Permissive TDY (PTDY)
- Reenlistment leave, graduation leave, and other special categories
The form has three parts:
- Part I — Sent to the Accounting and Finance Office (AFO/FSO) for pay processing.
- Part II — Given to the member.
- Part III — Retained and completed upon return to adjust actual leave taken.
Download the official form here: DAF Form 988 PDF
Key Policies Governing DAF Form 988
Leave is governed by DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program (updated February 26, 2026). This instruction covers chargeable leave, administrative absences, permissive TDY, pass programs, parental leave, and more. It aligns with broader DoD policy (DoDI 1327.06) and includes updates on topics like Inactive Duty Parental Leave (IDPL) and non-covered assisted reproductive technology absences.
Service members earn 2.5 days of leave per month (30 days per year). Proper use of DAF Form 988 helps prevent forfeiture of excess leave at the end of the fiscal year or upon separation.
How to Fill Out DAF Form 988? Step-by-Step Instructions
The form must be typed or completed in ink. Follow the built-in general instructions and Privacy Act statement carefully. Here’s a summary of key blocks (refer to the form and your unit’s Leave Monitor or CSS for exact details):
Section I (Member completes most of this):
- Blocks 1-5: Date of request, member’s name (Last, First, MI), SSN, grade/rank, organization/unit.
- Block 6: Current leave balance (check your LES or unit listing). Note projected balance if returning near DOS.
- Block 7: For convalescent leave only — requires medical provider signature and stamp.
- Block 8: Type of leave (check appropriate box: Ordinary, Terminal, Emergency, Convalescent, PTDY, etc.). For PTDY, reference the paragraph from DAFI 36-3003 and describe the purpose in remarks (e.g., house hunting, base sports team).
- Blocks 9-12: Requested leave period, number of days, first day/time of leave status, and last day of leave.
- First day of leave status follows specific rules: On a duty day, it’s usually after you complete the majority (>50%) of scheduled duty. On non-duty days, enter 0001 hours.
- Leave address (Block 17 or similar): Where you can be reached (street, city, state, ZIP, phone). Include a phone number different from your duty phone if applicable.
- Remarks: Any additional information, especially for special leave types.
- Certification: Sign to acknowledge that leave will be charged to your account unless adjusted.
Approval sections:
- Supervisor/commander signs to approve/disapprove.
- For advance or excess leave (when requested days exceed current or projected balance to ETS), additional blocks (26-33) and higher-level approval may be required.
- Leave Authorization Number (Block 10) is typically obtained from the unit orderly room/CSS shortly before departure (often not earlier than 14-30 days prior).
Processing:
- Complete required blocks before separating the parts.
- Obtain approval and leave number.
- Forward Part I to finance (unless special circumstances).
- Give Part II to the member.
- Hold Part III for return processing and adjustments.
Many units now use LeaveWeb (leave.af.mil) for digital requests, where an approved request can generate a printable AF/DAF 988 with the leave number. Check with your CSS or Unit Leave Monitor for your base’s preferred process.
Common Leave Types and Special Considerations
- Ordinary Leave: Standard chargeable annual leave.
- Terminal Leave: Used before separation or retirement.
- Convalescent Leave: Medical recommendation required.
- Permissive TDY (PTDY): Non-chargeable for specific purposes (e.g., house hunting, certain family events). Approval level and documentation vary per DAFI 36-3003.
- Parental Leave & IDPL: Up to 12 weeks non-chargeable for qualifying birth/adoption events; specific rules for Reservists.
Charging Leave Rules (simplified from DAFI 36-3003 and form instructions):
- Leave usually begins and ends in the local area.
- Travel days may or may not be chargeable depending on when you depart/return and duty performance.
- Upon return, Part III is completed to reconcile actual dates vs. requested and update finance.
If you take more leave than you will accrue before separation (excess leave), finance will collect overpayments.
Tips for a Smooth Leave Request
- Verify your leave balance early via myPay or your LES.
- Submit requests with enough lead time for approval and any required coordination (e.g., medical, commander).
- Keep a copy of the approved form and know your emergency contact procedures.
- If plans change before departure, notify your approving authority promptly.
- For digital workflows: Use LeaveWeb where available and print the authorized 988 when you receive the notification email.
Always consult your chain of command, CSS, or MPF for unit-specific procedures, as implementation can vary slightly by base or component. Policies in DAFI 36-3003 take precedence.
Need the Form or More Help?
Official Download: DAF Form 988
Primary Reference: DAFI 36-3003 Military Leave Program (Feb 2026)
For the most current guidance, visit the Air Force e-Publishing site or your installation’s Force Support Squadron. Proper use of DAF Form 988 ensures you can take well-deserved time off while staying compliant with DAF regulations.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on official DAF publications. Always verify with your servicing finance office, commander, or personnel section before submitting any leave request.