Lottery | Selective Service System (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I don't register for Selective Service? ›

If required to register with Selective Service, failure to register is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment. Also, a person who knowingly counsels, aids, or abets another to fail to comply with the registration requirement is subject to the same penalties.

Every man who is registered with the Selective Service System will receive a registration acknowledgement letter with a registration card in the mail from Selective Service within 90 days of registering. This is proof of your registration and can be used when applying for: state-based aid in 31 states. federal jobs.

Almost all male US citizens and male immigrants, 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.

By registering, a man's participation helps provide a hedge against unforeseen threats. The Selective Service System is a relatively low-cost insurance policy for our nation.

However, the Selective Service System now accepts early submission of registration information by 17 year old men. The Agency holds their registration information and automatically enters their data into the system when they turn 18.

Yes, you are still required to register with Selective Service. Virtually all men must register with Selective Service, even those who believe they'll be exempt from serving. In the event of a draft, men called for induction would be able to make a claim for deferments, postponements, or exemption from serving.

States with automatic DLL process a man's application for a state learner's permit, driver's license or renewal, or I.D. card as consent to have his information automatically transferred to Selective Service for registration if he is between the ages of 18-25.

That said, men are required to register for the Selective Service after they turn 18, regardless of their college plans. But if you're worried about getting drafted, keep in mind that the last draft happened during the Vietnam War in 1973.

Certain elected officials, exempt so long as they continue to hold office. Veterans, generally exempt from service in peacetime draft. Immigrants and dual nationals in some cases may be exempt from U.S. military service depending upon their place of residence and country of citizenship.

Department of Defense

As of January 2016, there has been no decision to require females to register with Selective Service, or be subject to a future military draft. Selective Service continues to register only men, ages 18 through 25.

What happens if you get drafted and refuse to go? ›

Selective Service will probably assume you're one of them. If you get a draft notice, show up, and refuse induction, you'll probably be prosecuted. However, some people will slip through the cracks in the system, and some will win in court. If you show up and take the physical, there's a good chance that you'll flunk.

The number of sequence numbers called for induction processing is based on the quota for personnel given by the Department of Defense. This system, based on random selection of birth dates, with the order of priority for reporting assigned in a random manner, is a fair and equitable method of calling men to serve.

USCIS will deny a naturalization application when the applicant refuses to register with Selective Service or has knowingly and willfully failed to register during the statutory period.

Legal Implications of Refusing the Draft

Under the Military Selective Service Act, those who fail to register or refuse induction may face up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Additionally, non-compliance may result in ineligibility for federal employment, student loans, and government benefits.

As of January 2016, there has been no decision to require females to register with Selective Service, or be subject to a future military draft. Selective Service continues to register only men, ages 18 through 25.

In 1971, the Military Selective Service Act was further amended to make registration compulsory; all men had to register within a period 30 days before and 29 days after their 18th birthdays.