Pentagon to automatically register all eligible men in US for military service

Men who are eligible for the draft will be automatically registered starting in December this year. The move was made in an effort to streamline the process which has usually required self-registration and will save money.

The Selective Service System (SSS) is the government agency that maintains the list of men eligible for the draft that can be called upon in a state of emergency. A rule change was submitted on March 30, according to the agency's website.

The agency announced on its about page, "On December 18, 2025, the President signed the FY 2026 NDAA into law, mandating automatic Selective Service registration. The Agency engaged with Congress throughout the NDAA process regarding the automated legislative proposal. This statutory change transfers responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources. SSS will implement the change by December 2026, resulting in a streamlined registration process and corresponding workforce realignment." 

The rule is awaiting finalization. The draft has not been in effect since the Vietnam War, and military service has been on a volunteer basis only since. Although unlikely, some have speculated that the war taking place in Iran will require the draft.

“This will also allow us to rededicate resources — basically that means money — towards [readiness] and towards mobilization … rather than towards education and advertising campaigns driven to register people,” Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), who sponsored the legislation, said.

Currently, those who turn 18 are required to register for the draft within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Late registration is also available until men turn 26. Those who fail to register can face jail time and fines of up to $250,000. The majority of US states currently sign up eligible males automatically when they get a driver's license or state ID card.