Men in the United States will be automatically registered with the Selective Service System starting in December 2026 under a new law. The system maintains records for a potential military draft, though no draft is currently in place.
Previously, individuals were required to register with the Selective Service System, but a law signed by President Donald Trump in late 2025 shifts that responsibility to the federal government to streamline the process.
Under the current system, men are required to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Late registration is accepted until age 26.
Women too?
Nope. Selective Service registration applies to all male U.S. citizens (including those who live abroad), and immigrants residing in the U.S., who are 18-25 years old.
If you don’t register you can’t get federal student loan assistance, access to job training programs or work for the federal government.