Selective Service

Selective Service is the system used in the United States to draft young people into armed service.  

• Males between the ages of 18-25 must register for Selective Service in order to receive their financial aid. 

• A common misconception is that you need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to register for Selective Service. 

• This is false; student don't need to have a SSN to register.

Male students who fail to register with Selective Service before turning age 26 are ineligible for Federal student loan and grant programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, and Stafford Loans. CA Education Code 69400 states that Selective Service registration is a requirement to receive California financial aid as well. 

Even if you disagree with the requirement, you should register. Failure to register can have a serious negative impact on your ability to obtain a driver's license, qualify for financial aid, pursue an education, or obtain employment.

Transgender Students

• Individuals who are born female and have a gender change are not required to register. 

• U.S. citizens or immigrants who are born male and have a gender change are still required to register.

NOTE: Transgender students are welcome to contact Selective Service regarding their registration requirements if they are unclear about how they should answer Question 21 or Question 22 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or need a status information letter from Selective Service that clarifies whether or not they are exempt from the registration requirement. This can be done by calling our Registration Information Office on 1-888-655-1825.

Individuals who have changed their gender to male will be asked to complete a request form for a status information letter and provide a copy of their birth certificate. One exemption letter may be used in multiple school financial aid processes.