Who Must Register for Selective Service

Nearly all males in the United States from ages 18 - 25 must register with Selective Service. This includes citizens and immigrants - documented or not.

All males must register within 30 days of their 18th birthday.

All male immigrants from 18-25 must register within 30 days of arriving in the U.S.

Women are not required to register, by law, and therefore can not be drafted.

In some states, males are automatically entered when they obtain their drivers license.

Selective Service registration does not make a man automatically part of the military.  Basically, it’s a government database of eligible males that can be drafted if there is a military need, says Eric Fluery, assistant professor of Government and International Relations at Connecticut College.

What is the military draft process?

First, a military draft needs to be reinstated by congress and the president.

Then, men are selected in a process that uses lottery numbers and birth years.

Next, the military gives those selected a full examination for mental, physical, and moral fitness.

What happens to those who don’t register? Those who choose to flout the registration process risk fines, imprisonment, and potential loss of certain government benefits. It would also make it nearly impossible to get student loans and government jobs, says Fleury.

How do I register for Selective Service?

Step 1 - Review the Selective Service registration chart to see who must register.

Step 2 - Register for the Selective Service.

Step 3 - Keep your address current. Change your address when you move.