The Postal Service facilitates draft registration.
Registration for the draft is a civic and legal responsibility in the United States. As of 2010, the law still requires all male citizens and permanent male aliens to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. All men must report until age 26. Failure to comply is punishable by fines up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment. Registering for the draft can alleviate future roadblocks, and compliance is often a requirement for many federal jobs, student loans, grants and student aid.
The Postal Service facilitates draft registration. Selective Service mail-back forms are available at any U.S. post office. To register, fill out a form, and drop it in the mail to the Selective Service office.
Instructions
The Selective Service Mail-Back Form
1. Obtain the Selective Service mail-back form at a local Post Office. Provide a Social Security number (if the registrant has one). Submit full name, current address, accurate date of birth, and telephone number. If unable to complete the registration form, someone else may complete it. The individual completing the form must sign if the registrant is unable.
2. Affirm all statements are true by signing and dating the registration form. Review the completed document for accuracy and legibility. Ensure completion of every block. Do not leave blank areas. Read the accompanying privacy act statement, and learn which other agencies might review registration information. Official registration does not occur until the Selective Service enters the information into the registrant's file, and assigns a number.
3. Open the acknowledgment card, which will arrive in 30 to 90 days. Review all information on the acknowledgment card, and correct any errors. If the card is incorrect, return the enclosed change form to the Selective Service. If the card has correct information, secure it in a safe place. The acknowledgment card is proof of draft registration.
4. Conscientious objection is an option, but not at the time of registration. The Selective Service registration form does not have any provision for alternative options. However, individuals are free to write on the form, for instance, "I am a conscientious objector." This can be the beginning of a claim for conscientious objector status. The Selective Service will discard the form after recording basic information. Make a copy of the form.
Tags: Selective Service, acknowledgment card, draft registration, registration form, card correct, conscientious objector