Travel

E-Travel News

January 2019 - Volume 11, Issue 1

In This Issue

• Federal Per Diem Rate Change
• 2019 Mileage Rate Adjustment
• Real ID for Alaska Residents
• More E-Travel Training Options in 2019

Federal Per Diem Rate Change

Effective October 1, 2018, the Federal General Services Administration (GSA) updated the standard per diem amounts for destinations in the lower 48 Continental United States (CONUS).

The State of Alaska Per Diem Rates [PDF] reference document located on the Division of Finance’s Travel Accounting webpage has been updated to reflect the change. The document now includes two tables for Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) Proration, one for rates effective 07/01/2018-9/30/2018 and another for rates effective 10/01/2018.

2019 Mileage Rate Adjustment

Effective January 1, 2019, the Federal General Services Administration (GSA) updated the 2019 Mileage Rates. The standard rate for the use of a personal vehicle is $0.58 per mile for business miles driven, this is up from $0.545 in 2018.

The following forms and documents located on the Division of Finance’s Travel Accounting webpage have been updated to reflect the change:

• Mileage Form [XLSX]
• Travel Authorization Form with Request [XLTM]
• Moving Expense Payroll Report [XLSX]
• Privately Owned Vehicle Rates [PDF]

Note: When using the forms to calculate mileage, the date must be entered first. A browser refresh maybe required to access the updated forms.

Real ID for Alaska Residents

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicle will be ready to issue the newly designed Real ID cards by Jan 2, 2019. The Real ID card is optional and will cost $20 more than the fee for the regular (non-compliant) ID; however, the Real ID will be valid for 8 years versus 5 years.

Starting October 1, 2020 all Alaska residents will need to present a Real ID or valid passport to board a commercial aircraft. The Real ID Act is a Federal requirement, not a State requirement, so it will not be required when traveling by Alaska Marine Highway or any other private ferry system.

There are specific documents needed to apply for a Real ID and the applicant must apply in-person at a local Alaska DMV Office or a private Motor Vehicle business. Use the online Real ID Checklist to be sure you have proper documents before you go.

The Alaska DMV website provides State and Federal information, how to apply, and important dates for everyone to be aware.

More E-Travel Training Options in 2019

Back by popular demand, Corporate Travel Management has reinstated two training sessions in 2019: "Search Functionality" and "Trip Changes and Cancellation".  The sessions are 1-hour and will be rotated monthly with Basic training and the Rural Request training.  View the course descriptions using the View Training Sessions link on the registration form located on the Travel webpage under the E-Travel Guides and Training Quick Link.