Overview
- The Selective Service, which sent its proposed rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30, plans to move to automatic enrollment by December 2026 pending review.
- The system will shift from self sign-ups to agency matching of federal and state records, building on DMV-based registration already in place in 46 states and territories.
- Virtually all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants ages 18 to 25 will be enrolled, and failure to register can block federal student aid and many federal jobs and can carry fines or prison time.
- Officials say the change will cut outreach costs and raise compliance after the rate fell to about 81% in 2024, and the agency estimates building the new platform will cost roughly $6 million.
- Leaders emphasize this is a roster, not induction, because a draft would require new action by Congress, even as privacy concerns and Iran-related rumors fuel political criticism.