Eligible men in the Selective Service System will be automatically registered into the military draft pool by December under a new rule aimed at simplifying the process and reducing costs.

The change, mandated by the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, shifts registration responsibility from individuals to the government using federal data systems.

Most U.S. men aged 18 to 25 are already required to register, but the new system will automatically enroll them within 30 days of turning 18.

The United States has not had an active draft since the Vietnam War era, though the registry could be used in a national emergency if authorized by Congress and the president, The Hill has reported.

Failure to register remains a crime with potential penalties, while women are still not included in the draft despite past legislative attempts.