How to Register for the Draft

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The Selective Service Registration is the process by which the U.S. government collects the names and addresses of men ages 18 through 25 to use in the case of a military emergency. The emergency and need to increase the number of troops in an area is determined by the congress and the president. Men are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Valid drivers license
Birth certificate
Internet access

Step1

Register for the draft (selective service) on your 18th birthday, as proven by your birth certificate. If you are a U.S. citizen or an immigrant, both documented or undocumented, but residing in the U.S. and its territories, you must register. Men up to age 25 must also register according to the Military Selective Service Act.

Step2

Pick up the forms at the local post office or at a military-recruiting station. You may also find the forms at your local library.

Step3

Print all the information required, including your date of birth, social security, full name, and current address. The form is fairly simple. You will then put in the date of registration and sign in the block stating you affirm the information you gave is true.

Step4

Step5

Verify your registration. Once the government receives your registration form, you should receive a Selective Service Acknowledgment with your Selective Service Number attached. You can also verify this by going to the internet site and go to "Check a Registration".

Tips & Warnings

You will need your drivers license or birth certificate if you are registering for the draft at a recruiting station.
Non-immigrants in the U.S. on student, tourist or diplomatic visas do not have to register for the draft.
If you move, you are required by federal law to provide address changes to the Selective Service. This can also be done online or the form is also available at the post office.
Not registering for the draft is a felony and carries a fine of $250,000, five years in jail or both. You could also lose the eligibility of obtaining student loans, financial aid, government jobs, job training and U.S. citizenship (for immigrants).