In the United States, every male citizen between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the U.S. Selective Service System (SSS). Failure to do so can result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. While you may think this only applies to young men about to graduate from high school or college, you also need to register if you have recently turned 18 years old or will be turning 18 soon (or in the case of foreign-born residents or citizens, if you are turning 22 or older). You also need to register if you have obtained U.S.
On May 18, 2014, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law which included an amendment requiring all men who are between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with Selective Service System (SSS). This affects you if you are born on or after January 1, 1997, and were not already registered previously through the SSS’s Military Selective Service Program (MSSP). Failure to comply can result in criminal penalties.
All men between 18 and 26 are required to register with the US Selective Service System, whether they live in the US or not. Here’s how you can make sure you’re prepared to register when the time comes.
About US Selective Service
The US Selective Service System is a federal agency that maintains records of individuals who are potentially subject to military conscription. It was created during World War I to provide the United States with an extra source of manpower should the need arise for a draft. In 1948, Congress enacted the Universal Military Training and Service Act, which requires all male citizens and immigrants aged 18 through 25 to register with the Selective Service System.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter reinstated registration requirements after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Since then, all male citizens and immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday or becoming a permanent resident of the United States. The registration requirement extends to all young men, regardless of race, religion, or citizenship status.
Failure to register with the Selective Service can result in civil penalties, including fines and being barred from certain federal benefits such as student loans and job training programs. Although there has not been a draft in over 40 years, registering with the Selective Service remains an important step for any eligible young man.
What is Selective Service?
The Selective Service System is the United States' system of registering men aged 18-25 for possible conscription into the Armed Forces. The Selective Service System was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940 and has been amended several times since then, most recently in 2019. It requires all men aged 18-25 who are either U.S. citizens or present in the U.S. to register with the Selective Service.
The purpose of the Selective Service System is to be prepared to provide the U.S. Armed Forces with personnel in the event of a national emergency, such as war or other conflict. This includes the potential mobilization of reserves and National Guard units.
It is important to note that registering with the Selective Service does not mean that a man will automatically be called up to serve; it simply means that he has fulfilled his legal obligation to register. Registration is also required for certain federal programs, such as student loan eligibility, and failure to register can result in penalties.
Who needs to register?
If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26 living in the United States, you must register for Selective Service (or the draft) within 30 days of your 18th birthday. All males who are U.S. citizens or are immigrants who are non-citizens and are in the U.S. on a valid visa must register with Selective Service. Those who do not register may be subject to criminal penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment.
In addition, not registering can have civil penalties as well, such as being ineligible for certain government jobs, student loans, federal job training programs, and U.S. citizenship. Registration is simple and free, and can be done online, by mail, or at any post office. For more information on registering for Selective Service, please visit the Selective Service System website.
When to register
If you are a male living in the United States, it is important to register for the US Selective Service. All males living in the United States between the ages of 18 and 26 are required to register with the US Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18. Failure to do so can have serious consequences, including a fine or imprisonment.
It is important to note that registering for the US Selective Service does not mean that you are automatically enrolled in the military. Registering is simply an acknowledgment that you are available for military service should the need arise. In the event of a national emergency, the President and Congress may call on citizens to serve in the Armed Forces.
It’s easy to register - you can fill out a form online, or you can mail in a form that you can find on the Selective Service System website. You will also be able to register if you apply for a driver’s license or ID card at your local DMV. It takes only a few minutes, and registering for Selective Service does not obligate you in any way. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re registered, you can easily check the status of your registration on the Selective Service System website. If you’re not registered, now is the time to do it - don’t wait until it’s too late!
Where to register
If you are a US citizen or resident between the ages of 18-25, you are required to register for US Selective Service. You can register online at the Selective Service System website, by mail with a registration form, or in person at your local post office. When registering online, you will need to provide your Social Security Number and some basic personal information. After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming that you have successfully registered for the Selective Service.
If you choose to mail in your registration, you can print out the registration form from the Selective Service System website and mail it to the address listed on the form. Please make sure that all of your information is filled out correctly and completely. Your registration form should also include a copy of a form of identification, such as your driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Finally, if you choose to register in person at your local post office, you will need to fill out a registration form and present a valid form of identification. The post office will process your application and send it off to the Selective Service System. By registering for US Selective Service, you are helping ensure that our nation has the resources and manpower necessary to defend itself in times of crisis. It is an important part of every citizen’s civic duty.
How to register
Registering for US Selective Service is an important step for all US citizens and immigrants. The Selective Service System (SSS) requires registration from men aged 18 to 25, who are either US citizens or are immigrants living in the US.
Registration is easy, fast, and free. Here’s how you can register:
1. Register online at the SSS website (www.sss.gov). You will need to provide personal information, including your Social Security Number.
2. Complete a paper Selective Service Registration Form. You can find this form online at the SSS website or get a copy from any post office or other federal government facility.
3. Visit a local U.S. Post Office or other federal government agency and present a valid form of identification. You will be asked to provide personal information, including your Social Security Number, and sign the registration form.
After you’ve completed the registration process, you should receive a confirmation letter within a few weeks. This is your proof of registration. Keep it safe in case you ever need it. It’s important to remember that registration with the Selective Service System is mandatory for all men aged 18 to 25 who are either US citizens or are immigrants living in the US.
Failure to register may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or a denial of certain benefits such as federal student loans and job training programs. If you have any questions about the registration process or want more information about the Selective Service System, you can visit www.sss.gov or contact the Selective Service System directly at 1-888-655-1825.
What if I don't register?
Failing to register for US Selective Service can have serious consequences. The penalties for failing to register vary according to the circumstances, but they could include fines, imprisonment, and loss of certain benefits or eligibility for certain programs.
One of the most serious consequences of not registering is being ineligible to receive federal student aid or student loans. If you fail to register when you turn 18, you could be denied access to grants, work-study programs, and other forms of financial aid that are available to college students. In addition, if you want to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, you must demonstrate that you have registered for Selective Service.
For these reasons, it is important to register for US Selective Service as soon as you are eligible. Although the draft is no longer in effect, it is still important to stay up-to-date with your registration information. It is a quick and easy process that could have major benefits in the future.
Conclusion
We hope this guide on how to register for US Selective Service has been helpful. Registering is an important step in ensuring you are eligible for all the benefits and opportunities that come with being a US citizen. Take the time to register today and make sure your voice is heard.