Young American men could be automatically registered for military draft eligibility as early as December under a proposed new rule that would end decades of self-registration, according to officials.

The proposal, submitted by the Selective Service System (SSS), would shift the responsibility for registration from individuals to the federal agency by integrating data from other government sources.

Currently, men in the United States are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday, but under the proposed change, registration would occur automatically.

Supporters say the move would reduce administrative costs and improve compliance.

The SSS said the change would “streamline” the process, while also saving money spent on reminders and outreach campaigns.

The rule is still under review and must be approved before it can take effect.

In the US, failure to register can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for federal student aid, federal jobs, and, in some cases, citizenship for non-citizens. Although prison sentences are rare, failure to register is legally a federal offence.

Most US states already partially automate registration through systems such as driver’s licence enrolment, but compliance reportedly fell to 81% in 2024.

The proposal follows approval from Congress as part of the National Defence Authorisation Act, which supports US military funding and operations.

Some lawmakers said the change would allow resources to be redirected from outreach programmes to military readiness.

The move has also sparked concerns among some Americans about the possibility of a future military draft in the event of a major crisis or war.

The United States has not conducted a military draft since 1973 during the Vietnam War, after widespread public opposition. The selective service system was later reinstated in 1980.

Officials have said there are currently no plans to reinstate conscription.