Selective Service Registration
A few of our members have made inquiries regarding selective service registration of US citizen 18 year-old males residing outside the US. In short, US law requires that all male US citizens, regardless of where they live and whether or not they are dual citizens, register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. The 30 days may either be before or after the 18th birthday. Technically the law is violated if the registration does not occur within this 60 day time window. Late registrations are accepted up to the age of 26. Early registrations are accepted from the age of 17 years and 3 months. The Selective Service processes the registration 30 days before the 18th birthday and mails an acknowledgment card.
Registration may be made as follows.
1. on-line at http://www.sss.gov
2. at a US post office on a mail-back registration form
3. at a US Embassy or consulate
4. by mail on a reminder mailback card
5. by "check box" on an application form for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA form) by checking box 29
6. at a high school
Forms require the following information.
1. Full name
2. Address
3. Date of birth
4. Telephone numbe
r 5. Social security number (if he has one)
6. Signature
Forms are mailed to:
Selective Service SystemRegistration Information
OfficeP.O. Box 94638
Palatine, IL 60094-4638USA
Registration with the Selective Service does not mean automatic induction into the military. Currently there is no draft in the US, nor is one planned to get underway. Congress has not acted on any proposed legislation to reinstate a draft.
Selective Service Information
http://www.sss.gov
Dorothy S.
Chair Citizen Commitee
September 2004
