Selective Service Registration: What You Need to Know
Selective Service Mandatory Registration for Men Ages 18-26
All men between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with Selective Service by law. After turning 26, you can no longer register.
What Does Registration Mean?
Registering with Selective Service does not mean you are joining the Armed services. In the event of national emergency or an attack on the United States, youcould be drafted.
Who Must Register?
Immigrant men, including naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, refugees, and males with expired visas, are required to register for Selective Service. The only exception is for men living in the U.S. on valid visas-they do not need to register.
Important Imformation for Undocumented Men
No Risk from Registration
The selective Service website clearly states that it does not collect or share immigration status. Whether documented or undocumented, registering does not put you at risk.
No Social Security Number? You Still Must Register
If you don’t have a social Security Number, you are still required to register. You can pick up a registraion form at your local post office or download it online. once completed, mail it to:
Selective Service System
P.O. Box 94739
Palatine, IL 60094-4739
Consequences of Failing to Register
Penalties for non-registration
Failing to register before age 26 is a felony. You could face a fine or up to five years in prison. Not registering also affects your eligibility for government jobs, student financial aid, and citizenship, delaying the latter by five years.
What if You missed the Deadline?
If you missed the deadline and are being denied benefits, you can explain your failure to register. You won’t lose federal rights if you can prove that your failure to register was not knowing or willful. see 50 U.S.C. 3811 (g) for more information.
