Male U.S. citizens must register for Selective Service.
Although the U.S. military hasn't drafted citizens since the Vietnam War, you still have to register for Selective Service if you're a male citizen or permanent resident alien and 18 to 25 years old. Failing to do so can prevent you from receiving federal student financial aid and other benefits. You also could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, as of 2011. You can register for the draft online, by mail or through a Selective Service registrar at your high school.
Instructions
1. Go to the registration page on the Selective Service website if you are a U.S. citizen living in the United States. Fill out your first and last name, street name, city, state, ZIP code, Social Security number (without dashes or spaces) and date of birth in the applicable field. From the drop-down menu, select how you found out about registration. Click "Submit Registration."
2. Navigate to the foreign registration page on the agency's website if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad. Fill out your first and last name, street address, city, country, Social Security number, and date of birth. From the drop-down menu, select how you found out about registration. Click "Submit Registration."
3. Go to any U.S. post office to obtain a Selective Service "mail-back" registration form. Fill out the pre-addressed form, sign it, attach postage and mail it to Selective Service. You don't need a postal clerk to assist you. If you don't yet have a Social Security number, leave this field blank. If you live overseas, you may register at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
4. Check the "Register Me" box No. 22 on the application form for federal student financial aid. The Department of Education will give Selective Service the information to register you.
5. Approach a staff member or teacher of your high school who is appointed as a Selective Service registrar. According to Selective Service, more than half of the high schools in the U.S. have at least one teacher or staff member who can help you register.
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