One of the most persistent questions in the modern debate involves gender. Under current federal law, women are not required to register for the Selective Service. While the Pentagon and various Congressional committees have debated the inclusion of women in the interest of modernizing the force, any such change would require a formal amendment to existing law by Congress.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

The legal requirement to register concludes at age 26, and failing to do so remains a violation of federal law. While the Department of Justice rarely pursues criminal prosecutions for non-registration in the modern era, the statutory penalties remain severe, including significant fines and potential imprisonment.

Beyond criminal record concerns, the “quiet” penalties of non-compliance can be life-altering. Failure to register can result in a permanent loss of eligibility for federal student aid, government employment, and various other federal benefits, creating a lasting barrier for those who overlook this civic requirement.