U.S. embassies and consulates abroad assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad.  Overseas registrants are encouraged to register with the Selective Service website On-Line Registration.  Where on-line registration is not available, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be of assistance.  Current brochures and guidance are also available on the Selective Service website.

Who must register

Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. It’s important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military. In a crisis requiring a draft, men would be called in sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth. Then, they would be examined for mental, physical and moral fitness by the military before being deferred or exempted from military service or inducted into the Armed Forces.

Non-Citizens

Some non-citizens are required to register. Others are not. Non-citizens who are not required to register with Selective Service include men who are in the U.S. on student or visitor visas, and men who are part of a diplomatic or trade mission and their families. Almost all other male non-citizens are required to register, including illegal aliens, legal permanent residents, and refugees. The general rule is that if a male non-citizen takes up residency in the U.S. before his 26th birthday, he must register with Selective Service.

Dual Nationals

Dual nationals of the U.S. and another country are required to register, regardless of where they live, because they are U.S. nationals.

For more information visit the Selective Service Systems Homepage.