State Regulations on Draft Registration

As many people know from the literature in their local U.S. Post Office, every male, with a few exceptions (contact CCW if you want more info), living in the United States is required to register with Selective Service between ages 18 and 26. Many probably perceive that it's up to them whether they actually register. But, in too many cases, this is not true. If one applies for a driver's license in certain states, that automatically registers one for the Draft, in many cases unwittingly.

What if a conscientious objector is applying for a driver's license? There is no place in the application to declare one's convictions. On most applications, there is no way to "opt out" of registration for the Draft. If someone is a total objector to registration for a system of war, then they are denied their right to travel unless they violate their convictions. As a firm opponent of all forms of conscription and a defender of the rights of conscientious objectors, CCW believes the Selective Service system is fundamentally unjust and is a violation of fundamental religious freedom. It also maintains surveillance over Selective Service policies and other policies that relate both to the Draft and conscientious objection. CCW staff have compiled provisions of state statutes that pertain to driver's license application and Selective Service registration.

Summary of state laws that encourage or compel registration with Selective Service

States and territories that have enacted and implemented legislation linking driver’s licenses and registration with the SSS: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

States that have enacted and implemented legislation tying registration with SSS to state benefits but not to driver’s licenses: Alaska, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North Dakota.

States that have not currently passed legislation linking benefits to registration: Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Maryland enacted driver’s license legislation in 2002, but has not yet implemented it.

A complete breakdown of states that have enacted legislation in regards to SSS registration can be found below.

Click on the state names for commentary on that particular state's regulations.