Fill out OPM-71 (Request for Leave or Approved Absence) online
OPM Form 71 is used by federal employees to request annual leave, sick leave, leave without pay (LWOP), and other approved absences. It serves as the official record of leave requests and approvals within federal agencies.
How to fill out OPM-71 (Request for Leave or Approved Absence)
Enter employee information
Provide your name, organization, and the date of the request.
Specify leave type and dates
Select the type of leave requested (annual, sick, LWOP, other) and enter the dates and number of hours for each day of requested leave.
Add remarks if applicable
Include any relevant details in the remarks section, such as the reason for sick leave, FMLA designation, or any special circumstances the supervisor should be aware of.
Sign and submit for approval
Sign the request and submit it to your supervisor or leave-approving official. The supervisor will indicate approval or disapproval and sign the form.
About OPM-71 (Request for Leave or Approved Absence)
Who needs this form
Federal civilian employees who need to request leave or an approved absence from their supervisor. Used across all federal agencies for annual leave, sick leave, family and medical leave, military leave, and other types of approved absences.
Where to submit
Submit to your immediate supervisor or the designated leave-approving official in your agency. Many agencies also accept electronic leave requests through their timekeeping system, but the paper form may be required as backup documentation.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not specifying the correct type of leave being requested
- Requesting leave without sufficient leave balance (check your leave balance before submitting)
- Not obtaining advance approval for annual leave when required by agency policy
- Forgetting to provide medical documentation for sick leave absences exceeding 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Is this form free to fill out?
Yes. SimplePDF lets you fill out any PDF form for free, directly in your browser. No account required. For team and business features, see our pricing plans.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can fill out and download the form without creating an account or signing up.
Is my data secure?
SimplePDF is not a covered entity under HIPAA. Documents are processed entirely in the user's browser and never transit via SimplePDF's servers, on any plan. Read our privacy policy for more details.
Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
No. SimplePDF provides form-filling tools and general informational content, not professional advice. Verify requirements with official instructions or a qualified professional.
Can I share a direct link to this form?
Yes! You can create a direct link to any PDF by prefixing its URL with simplepdf.com/. For example: simplepdf.com/https://example.com/form.pdf. Anyone who opens the link can fill out the form immediately in their browser. You can also embed the editor in your own website.
Can my supervisor deny my leave request?
Annual leave requests can be denied if granting the leave would interfere with mission requirements. However, sick leave for qualifying medical reasons generally cannot be denied if you have a sufficient balance and provide required documentation. Leave under FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) is a legal entitlement when eligibility requirements are met.
SimplePDF provides a tool to fill out PDF forms. We are not affiliated with any government agency or form issuer. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information entered. SimplePDF is not liable for errors, omissions, or consequences resulting from the use of filled-out forms.