The Trump administration is preparing to implement a new system that would automatically register eligible men for the military draft beginning in December, a move aimed at simplifying the process should conscription be reinstated for the first time in more than five decades.

Under the proposal, the Selective Service System would directly enroll “every male citizen of the United States” between the ages of 18 and 25 into its database, replacing the current requirement that individuals sign up on their own.

Although the United States has not used a draft since 1973 during the Vietnam War, the potential for a prolonged conflict with Iran has raised concerns that conscription could return, prompting the policy shift.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue last month, telling reporters that a draft is “not part of the current plan” but emphasized that Trump “wisely keeps his options on the table.”

“There’s no greater priority or responsibility to this president than, of course, protecting the American people and protecting our troops,” she said.

Officials say the change is intended to make registration more efficient. However, reinstating an active draft would still require Congress to revise the Military Selective Service Act to give the president authority to draft civilians during a national emergency.

Federal law already requires all male U.S. citizens between 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System, which maintains a list of individuals eligible for potential military service.

The requirement also applies to male immigrants, including those without legal status and refugees, as well as transgender individuals who were born male, dual citizens, Americans living abroad, and individuals with disabilities.

Women are currently excluded from registration under existing law, which only authorizes the enrollment of “male persons.”

However, the Selective Service System has indicated it “is prepared to expand registration” if Congress enacts legislation that would include women in mandatory service.

Certain groups are exempt from registering, including those already serving on active duty, some individuals with disabilities, and those who are incarcerated. Men who previously served but were discharged before turning 26 must still register.

Individuals who claim conscientious objection are still required to register.

Participation in the system has declined in recent years, partly due to the removal of draft registration from federal student loan applications in 2022, according to reports.

Failure to register remains a felony offense.

Those who do not comply can face fines of up to $250,000 or up to five years in prison, and may also lose access to student loans, government employment at all levels, and U.S. citizenship if they are immigrants.

Men are expected to register within 30 days of turning 18, though late registration is accepted until age 26.

If a draft is activated, those registered would be entered into a lottery system, where birthdays are randomly selected to determine the order of induction.

Individuals turning 20 in the year of the lottery would be called first, followed by those aged 21 through 25, then 19-year-olds, and finally those who are 18-and-a-half.

Those selected would be able to request deferments, postponements, or exemptions before reporting to a Military Entrance Processing Station for physical, mental, and moral evaluations.

After completing the process, they would either be inducted into military service or released.

Congress approved automatic draft registration last December as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, a key annual measure that funds military operations and personnel.

Currently, 46 states and territories already have systems in place that automatically register eligible men when they apply for driver’s licenses or identification cards.

The Selective Service System submitted its proposed “automatic registration” rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30.

According to the agency, the change will result “in a streamlined registration process and corresponding workforce realignment.”