Become a PMF
Eligibility
Selective Service
NOTE: The bulk of this content stems from the content posted on the Selective Service System website. Please review their website for any updates and for any additional information.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
By law, young men are required to register for the Selective Service to ensure our Nation has a structure and a system of guidelines for a prompt, efficient, and equitable draft, in the event of a crisis. Registration for the selective service ensures you to stay eligible for:
- Federal jobs and jobs with the United States Postal Service;
- Federal student loans and grants;
- State student aid (in most States), and even admission to some state schools;
- Job training benefits; and,
- United States citizenship for male immigrants seeking citizenship.
Per the Selective Service System website, a man must be registered to be eligible for jobs in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government.
WHO MUST REGISTER?
Almost all males living in the United States, between the ages of 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service; this includes all male citizens and noncitizens who are either legal or undocumented immigrants or refugees. 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 inducted into the Armed Forces, or deferred or exempted from military service.
WHEN TO REGISTER?
The law requires virtually all male United States citizens (regardless of where they live), and male immigrants residing in the United States (permanent resident aliens), to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Therefore, to be in full compliance with the law, a man turning 18 should register during the period of time beginning 30 days before, until 30 days after his 18th birthday...a 60-day window.
Late registrations are accepted, but not once a man reaches age 26. Men who do not register within the 60-day window are technically in violation of the law and should register as soon as possible.
WHERE TO REGISTER OR VERIFY REGISTRATION?
Registering for the Selective Service can be done on-line or at any United States Post Office. Verification of registration can also be done on-line, but you will need the Last Name, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth to verify. Registrants can also prompt the Selective Service System to produce an official letter of verification on-line.
When applicants to the PMF Program create their applicant user account to apply, they will be asked their Selective Service status. Registering with the Selective Service System is only applicable to males. Male applicants do NOT need to submit proof of registration during the PMF application.
Whether or not a male applicant registered, did not register, or obtain an exemption, he may proceed in applying to the PMF Program. If selected as a Finalist, the appointing Federal agency for a PMF appointment will confirm whether or not registration for Selective Service applies and will ask for proof if applicable.
UPDATED: 08-08-2023