The maximum draft age has increased. Starting in December 2026, the highest age qualified to be drafted will be changed by the United States to 42. Right now, men up to age 25 are required to complete their registration with the Selective Service System, or the SSS. Federal law currently requires nearly all male citizens to register when they turn 18.

The SSS is the sign-up process for the draft, but the two terms are sometimes used synonymously. As of now, a 2026 draft is not official. The registration process does not activate a draft, but does prepare for one. Also, being eligible does not mean someone will be drafted automatically, and women will be exempt from the draft. Not registering for the draft can result in up to five years in prison with the possibility of $250,000 in fines added, according to Delaware Online. However, prosecutions ended in 1986, and some people were never fined.

To register, go to the SSS website and click “register now” to begin the process.