Automatic Military Draft Registration to Begin Nationwide in December

A major change is coming to how the U.S. handles military draft registration.

Starting in December, eligible men across the country will be automatically registered for the Selective Service system under a provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Currently, men between the ages of 18 and 26 are already required by law to register for the draft, but many must do so manually. The new rule aims to streamline the process and ensure no one is penalized for failing to register unknowingly.

The automatic system will apply not only to U.S. citizens, but also to many non-citizens living in the country, including green card holders, refugees, and asylum seekers. Those on temporary visas are exempt.

Officials say the change is not tied to current global conflicts and has bipartisan support. Lawmakers argue it will reduce administrative costs and make the system more efficient.

It’s important to note that registration does not mean a draft is imminent. Congress would still need to approve any future draft, and if that were to happen, a lottery system would determine who is called to serve.

Under that system, individuals turning 20 in the year of a draft would be called first, followed by other age groups. Those selected would still undergo physical, mental, and moral evaluations and could request deferments or exemptions.

The U.S. has not used a military draft since 1973, but this update modernizes the system in case it is ever needed again.

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