How to Find Your Selective Service Number

Co-authored by Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

If you have a Selective Service number, you were required by law to register with the Selective Service within 30 days of your 18th birthday. Your number is on the registration card that was sent to you by mail shortly after you registered. If you can't find the card, you can use the Selective Service's online database to access your number. You can also call their hotline number and follow the prompts.

Things You Should Know

Go to https://www.sss.gov/. Then, go to "Registration > Check a Registration > Verify Now".
Click the big blue "Verify Now" button and enter the requested information, then click "Submit". Write down your number for safekeeping.
Call 1-847-688-6888 if you were born before January 1, 1960. Follow the automated prompts to access your number.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Searching the Online Database

1
Use the online database if you were born on or after January 1, 1960. Your number will only be in the Selective Service's online database if you were born on or after January 1, 1960. If you were born before that date, call 1-847-688-6888 and follow the prompts or speak with a customer service representative to obtain your number.^{[1]
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2
Navigate to the Selective Service System's website. Open your internet browser. Find the Selective Service System's main website at https://www.sss.gov/.

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3
Hover over the blue “Registration” tab. Find the “Registration” tab on the left side of the page. Mouse over it until a dropdown menu appears.^{[2]
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4
Click “Check a Registration” in the dropdown menu. When you mouse over “Registration,” “Check a Registration” is the second option listed in the dropdown menu. Click “Check a Registration.”^{[3]
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5
Click “Verify Now.” You'll be taken to a new page. On the right side of the page, you will see a large green check mark. There's a blue button next to it that says “Verify Now.” Click the blue “Verify Now” button.^{[4]
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6
Enter the requested information. After you click “Verify Now,” you'll be taken to a page requesting information about the registered person. To access the search engine, you will need to type in your last name, social security number, and date of birth. Complete the captcha at the end and click “Submit.”^{[5]
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Write down your number. Once the database generates your number, write it down somewhere safe. If you need to request a new registration card, contact the Selective Service at 1-847-688-6888.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Calling the Registration Information Hotline

1
Call the hotline if you were born before January 1, 1960. If you were born on or after January 1, 1960, the easiest way to find your number is to use the Selective Service's online database. If you were born before January 1, 1960, use the hotline.^{[7]
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2
Call 1-847-688-6888 to access the hotline. If you're calling from a cell phone, you won't need to dial the “1.” Dial the number and wait for the automated system to pick up.^{[8]
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Follow the prompts given by the automated system. Press the number that corresponds with your language (“1” for English and “2” for Spanish). After that, the system lists various reasons why you may be calling. Press “1” to access registration information.
4
Continue to follow the prompts until your number is obtained. You will need to provide your last name, social security number, and date of birth to access your number. If you run into any issues, choose the option that routes your call to a live customer service agent and speak to them directly.

Community Q&A

Question

I am already registered and have my number. However, I do not have a selective service card.

SelectiveServiceSystem

Community Answer

If you have a Selective Service number, you're good to go! You're no longer required to show your card as proof of registration. Providing a Selective Service number should get you access to any benefits associated.
Question

Can I become a USA resident after 26 years old?

SelectiveServiceSystem

Community Answer

You may still be required to provide a Status Information Letter (SIL) if you seek any benefits associated with Selective Service registration, like student financial aid, federal employment, job training and citizenship. This will prove that you were exempt from registering. It is best to request a SIL before you need it, as processing can take 4-6 weeks during normal circumstances.
Question

I have been registered since December 15, 2018. I was told that I will receive a mail with 30-90 days and up to now I have not received anything yet.

SelectiveServiceSystem

Community Answer

If you registered with a valid SSN, you can check to see if you were registered by visiting sss.gov/verify. If you registered by mail and did not receive a response, we may not have received your registration form. Please resubmit your form to ensure that you are properly registered before you turn 26.