Two things happen when you turn 18: you can vote, and (for most males) you're required to register with Selective Service. Here's exactly what to do for both.
// Voter Registration
You can register to vote if you are:
A U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old (some states let you pre-register at 16 or 17), and a resident of the state where you want to vote. That's it. No property requirement, no income requirement, no education requirement.
How to Register (3 options)
1. Online (fastest): Most states let you register at vote.gov in about 2 minutes. You'll need your state ID or driver's license number.
2. By mail: Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form from vote.gov, fill it out, and mail it to your state election office.
3. In person: Visit your local election office, DMV, or public library. Many states offer same-day registration at the polls.
ID requirements vary by state (see state selector above). Some states require photo ID, some accept a utility bill, some require nothing. Check before you go.
// Common Questions
// Selective Service Registration
Who must register?
Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants (documented and undocumented) must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. This includes transgender men assigned female at birth who have changed their gender to male with the Social Security Administration. Transgender women assigned male at birth are still required to register.
How to Register
Online (fastest): Go to sss.gov/register. Takes about 2 minutes.
At the Post Office: Pick up a registration card (SSS Form 1), fill it out, and mail it in.
Automatically: Many states register you when you get a driver's license or state ID (if you check the box). FAFSA also triggers automatic registration in many cases.
Why It Matters
Selective Service registration is required by law. Not registering can affect your ability to:
Get federal financial aid (FAFSA requires it) Get a federal job (including USPS, TSA, and all government positions) Become a U.S. citizen (if you're an immigrant) Get job training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Registration does NOT mean you'll be drafted. There hasn't been a draft since 1973. It's a database that exists in case Congress ever authorizes one. Think of it as a civic formality with real consequences if you skip it.
// Selective Service FAQ
Sources: vote.gov, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Selective Service System (sss.gov), U.S. Election Assistance Commission. State data current as of 2025-2026. Laws change — always verify with your state's election office. This tool is non-partisan and provides only logistical information.