The law requires that all males, register for the draft (Military Service) within 30 days of their 18th birthday. You may register for the draft at any US Post Office, on line at www.sss.gov . As of publication, there is no draft. However, if there is one, and you are drafted, you will have 10 days to appeal.

 

If you think you have religious or moral objections to military service, you need to understand what your rights and responsibilities are. Draft counseling is available through some churches and through Peace and Justice Education Center.

 

Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. It's important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military. In a crisis requiring a draft, men would be called in sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth. Then, they would be examined for mental, physical and moral fitness by the military before being deferred or exempted from military service or inducted into the Armed Forces.

 

WHEN TO REGISTER The law requires virtually all male U.S. citizens (regardless of where they live), and male immigrants residing in the U.S. (permanent resident aliens), to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday.   Therefore, to be in full compliance with the law, a man turning 18 is required to register during the period of time beginning 30 days before, until 30 days after his 18th birthday...a 60-day window.

 

Late registrations are accepted, but not once a man reaches age 26.  Men who do not register within the 60-day window are technically in violation of the law and should register as soon as possible.

 

A male non-citizen who first takes up permanent residence in the U.S. when he is at least 18 years old, but not yet 26 years old, must register within 30 days of becoming a resident.  If he first enters the U.S. as a resident when he is 26 years old or older, he does not register with Selective Service because he is too old to register.  Male non-citizens in the U.S. temporarily (valid student or visitor visa, diplomatic corps, etc.) do not register.

 

Early Submission:  It is now possible for a man to submit registration information early, as long he is at least 17 years and 3 months old.   Selective Service will keep his information on file and process it automatically later in the year, when the man is within 30 days of reaching his 18th birthday.  An acknowledgment card will be mailed to the man when his registration is processed.  To submit early registration information, follow the same procedures as men who are 18 through 25 years old completing the selective service registration form.