The US is going to make changes to the Selective Service registration process this year.

The Selective Service System, the government agency that deals with the database of men called up for service in an emergency, submitted a proposed rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30 stating that eligible men would automatically be registered in the military draft pool. Most men between the ages of 18 and 25 are already required to register with the Selective Service but the new rule proposes automatic registration. It was mandated in December 2025 as part of the fiscal year 2026 national defense authorization. If this happens then there will be no need for self registration. The proposed rule is currently under review by the Office of Regulatory Affairs and awaits finalization.Under the new rule, men will be automatically registered within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Failure to register for the draft is considered a crime and can prevent people from receiving state-funded financial aid and employment in many states, lead to ineligibility for many federal employment opportunities and job training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and result in a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. Immigrants who do not register may lose their US citizenship.The US has had no draft since the Vietnam War; military service has been voluntary since 1973. But amid the Iran War, it became the most asked question whether a military draft could be possible for this war, which is now in the ceasefire phase. White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said in March that although a draft “is not part of the current plan right now,” President Trump is “wisely keeping his options on the table.”Automated registration would cost the government millions of dollars that are spent reminding eligible people to register. Currently registration is also mandatory but the new rule says that it will be done automatically.

What doesn’t this proposed rule change mean?