Starting in December, the federal government will automatically register men ages 18 to 25 for the Selective Service System, marking a major shift in how the U.S. prepares for a potential military draft.
The change comes after Congress passed the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires automatic registration using existing federal records to streamline the previous self-registration process.
The SSS, a federal agency that maintains a database of registered U.S. males who are considered “draft-eligible,” submitted a proposal to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30.
While registration has long been required by law, it does not mean someone is being drafted into the military.
The U.S. has not used a draft since the Vietnam War in 1973. Registration is meant to ensure the government can respond quickly if a draft is ever reinstated.
Automatic registration was mandated in December 2025, when President Donald Trump signed it into law with NDAA.
When asked about the chances of the U.S. reinstating the draft, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently said the president is “keep[ing] his options on the table” amid the war with Iran.
Before the mandate, young men were expected to register on their own within 30 days of turning 18, however, compliance has not been universal.
According to the selective service, only 81% of all eligible men registered in 2024, a 3% drop from the year before.
Historically, men who did not register for the draft could face consequences including fines and denied student loans.
Lawmakers argue that automatic registration will simplify the process, save money and transfer responsibility for registration from individuals to the SSS through their federal data sources.
Automatic registration is being accomplished by using existing databases from other federal agencies.
By doing so, selective service aims to lower the risks men face for failing to have registered when they are called to serve.
Each year, the U.S. Congress passes an annual NDAA that specifies budgetary and policy goals for U.S. military activities.
One of the NDAA’s objectives is to modernize federal government systems, including how the selective service registers men for the draft.
The policy change has also sparked concern among some Americans, particularly given ongoing global tensions, including the conflict with Iran.
For many, the idea of automatic registration raises questions about whether the U.S. is preparing to reinstate an active draft. However, Leavitt stated that this is “not part of the current plan.”
Reinstating a draft would require separate approval from both Congress and the president, making it a more deliberate decision.
Still, as international conflicts continue to escalate, the update has brought renewed attention to the system.
