What is selective service registration and who has to register?
Selective Service registration, if authorized by the President and Congress, allows the government to rapidly provide personnel to the Department of Defense while at the same time providing for an Alternative Service Program for objectors. This is known as a draft. Although the United States military has been all-volunteer since 1973, an act of Congress could reinstate the draft in case of a national emergency.
If you are a male in between the ages of 18 through 25, you are required to register. This applies to all males, whether or not you have legal residence within the United States. This means even undocumented males within this age group are required to register.
If you are in the age group of 26-31 and have not registered, you will need to provide a “Status Information Letter” to demonstrate that failure to register was not a knowing or willful act.
If you are over 31, a “Status Information Letter” is not required.
How do I register?
You can register online here if you have a social security number.
If you do not have a social security number, you will need visit your local post office to pick up a form or you can download the form here. You will need to fill out the form and then mail it to:
Selective Service System
P.O. Box 94739
Palatine, IL 60094-4739
After registering, you will receive a letter in the mail with your registration card, which serves as proof of your registration. If you don’t receive the letter and card within 90 days, call 1-847-688-6888.
What happens if I don’t register?
Registration for selective service is required to obtain naturalization. USCIS may deny a naturalization application when an applicant refuses to register with Selective Service or has knowingly and willfully failed to register during the statutory period.
Citizens must register 30 days after their 18th birthday. Immigrants must register 30 days within arriving in the United States. Late registrations, however, may be accepted.
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