Military Service Registration in Illinois

People may enlist at 17 with their parents' consent. Without parental consent, people may enlist between the ages of 18 and 35. To register, go to a local post office and fill out a registration form, which asks for your name, address, sex, date of birth and Social Security number. You will not get a physical exam or be classified for the military draft when you register.

If an actual military draft is called, the draftee will be notified by Western Union Mailgram, ordering you to report for a physical exam and processing. It will also give information on exemptions and deferments. A "tear off" portion of the letter you receive acknowledging your registration may be used as proof of registration.

Failing to register for the draft is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000. Proof of registration to be eligible for federal college financial assistance and federal job training assistance programs.


This pamphlet is prepared and published by the Illinois State Bar Association as a public service. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information at the time of publication.

For the most current information, please consult your lawyer. If you need a lawyer and do not have one, call Illinois Lawyer Finder at (800) 922-8757 or online www.IllinoisLawyerFinder.com