OPM Form 71 – Request for Leave or Approved Absence (Fillable PDF)

Federal employees need a reliable, official way to request vacation, sick leave, or any approved absence. OPM Form 71 – Request for Leave or Approved Absence – is the standard application form used across U.S. government agencies. With Formize’s fillable PDF technology, you can complete this form directly in your browser, save time, and ensure every required field is correctly filled.

What Is OPM Form 71?

OPM Form 71 is published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It is used to request various types of leave, including vacation, annual leave, sick leave, and other approved absences. The form captures essential details such as employee information, type of leave, dates, and supervisor approval.

How to Fill Out the Leave Request Form Online

Instead of printing, scanning, or manually editing the PDF, simply click the "Fill out this form" button on this page. The Formize PDF Filler will load in seconds, allowing you to type directly into each field, add digital signatures, and save a copy for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving required fields blank – the filler highlights missing information before you can submit.
• Incorrect dates – double‑check the start and end dates; the form will warn you of overlapping periods.
• Wrong leave type code – refer to your agency’s leave policy to select the correct code (e.g., V for vacation, S for sick).

Where to Submit Your Completed Form

After completing the form, download the PDF and forward it to your supervisor or HR office according to your agency’s procedures. Many agencies also accept electronic submissions via email or a dedicated HR portal.

Need a printable copy? The Formize app lets you download a fully‑filled PDF that looks exactly like the original OPM document.