Selective Service

What is Selective Service?
The Selective Service System is an agency within the Executive Branch of the United States Federal Government. The Director of Selective Service is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Selective Service is not a part of the Department of Defense.

The Federal law under which the agency operates is the Military Selective Service Act. Under this law, the mission of the Selective Service System is to provide the numbers of men needed by the Armed Forces, within the time required, should Congress and the President decide to return to a draft, in the event of a national emergency. Selective Service would also be responsible for administering a program of alternative service for conscientious objectors.

What is Selective Service Registration?
Registration is the process of providing the Selective Service with personal information, such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security Account Number and other related information about one's self. It is a civic and legal responsibility. Even though no one is currently being drafted, men are required to register with Selective Service as soon as they reach age 18.

Registering with Selective Service does not mean that you are joining the military.

Registration provides our country with a means to develop and maintain an accurate list of names and addresses of men who might be called upon if a return to the draft is authorized.

Failure to register, or otherwise comply with the Military Selective Service Act is, upon conviction, punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. In addition, federal and certain state laws require registration as a prerequisite for obtaining student financial aid, job training, government employment, and U.S. citizenship.

Who Must Register?
With few exceptions, all male United States citizens and male aliens residing in the U.S. and its territories must register within the period starting 30 days before, and ending 30 days after, their 18th birthday.

Parolees, refugees, and applicants for asylum are considered to be residents of the U.S. and therefore must register.

Handicapped men who are able to function in public, with or without assistance, must register. A friend or relative may help a handicapped man to complete the registration form if he is unable to do so himself.

Members of the National Guard and Reserve Forces, not on full-time active duty, must register.

Men cannot register after reaching age 26.

For further information on who must register, refer to the "Who must Register" chart on the inside back cover of this pamphlet.

Who Is Exempt From Registration?
The law exempts certain persons from the requirement to register.

• Females.
• Lawfully admitted non-immigrant aliens (such as those men on visitor or student visas and members of diplomatic or trade missions and their families) because they are residing in this country temporarily.
• Men who are unable to register due to circumstances beyond their control, such as being hospitalized, institutionalized, or incarcerated. However, they must register within 30 days after their release.
• Members of the Armed Forces on full-time active duty. This exemption also applies to cadets and midshipmen at the United States service academies. However, upon release from active duty, a man must register within 30 days if he is not yet 26 years of age and has not already registered.

How Do You Register?
If you are required to register, all you have to do is to visit the nearest U.S. Post Office, pick up a registration form, complete and sign it, and hand it to a postal clerk. The clerk will check your form against some type of identification, such as your driver's license. The postal clerk will not give you a receipt; however, you should receive a registration acknowledgment from Selective Service within 90 days. You may also register online at: http://www.sss.gov.

If you do not receive your registration acknowledgment within 90 days of the date you completed your registration form, it is important that you write to the following address or call (847) 688-6888.

Selective Service System
Registration Information Office
Post Office Box 94638
Palatine, IL 60094-4638