What is the deadline to register for the draft?

The Selective Service System (SSS) is an independent federal agency operating with permanent authorization under the Military Selective Service Act. It exists to serve the emergency manpower needs of the U.S. military by conscripting untrained manpower, or personnel with professional healthcare skills, if directed by Congress and the President in a national crisis. This is commonly known as "the draft." There is a sequence of events between the authorization of a draft to the induction of the first draftees.

According to federal law, a man must register with the SSS within 30 days of his 18th birthday. Women are not required by federal law to register with the Selective Service. Selective Service will accept late registrations, but only until a man reaches the age of 26. After that time period, the Selective Service refuses to accept late registrations. Those who fail to register by the time they reach the age of 26 can be prosecuted and fined up to $250,000 and spend up to five years in jail. Registration is required to qualify for federal student aid, job training benefits, and most federal employment opportunities.

To assist with this process, the Selective Service allows registration through the following methods: online, at local post offices, through local high schools, on college financial aid forms, or by mail.

Classification is the process of determining who is available for military service and who is deferred or exempted (such as conscientious objectors). Classifications are based on each individual registrant's circumstances and beliefs. Men are not classified at this time, and a classification program would only go into effect when Congress and the President decide to resume a draft. Then, men who are qualified for induction would have the opportunity to file a claim for exemptions, deferments, and postponements from military service.

Between 30 to 90 days after submitting their registration application, registrants should receive a registration acknowledgement card from the Selective Service. This card will include a Selective Service Registration Number. If you cannot recall if you have registered or if you lost your acknowledgement card, you can check your status with the SSS and/or request a replacement acknowledgement card.

There is no draft at the present time. Please visit the SSS's Fast Facts Section for information about issues such as the "surviving sons" policy, women and the draft, and married men and the draft.

You can contact the SSS Registration Information Office by e-mail at Information@sss.gov, or by phone or mail at:

Phone: 1.888.655.1825 or 1.847.688.6888 
TTY: 1.847.688.2567 
Selective Service System 
Data Management Center 
P.O. Box 94638 
Palatine, IL 60094

You can also contact the SSS for issues such as requesting your SSS number, changing your address or proof of registration.

Additional Resources:

• SSS's Frequently Asked Questions
• What Happens In a Draft

by usa.gov team