If you were assigned male at birth and are between the ages of 18-25, follow these three steps. (If you have already registered for the selective service, skip to Step 2.)
- Print this Selective Service Registration Form and fill it out.
- If just registering for Selective Service violates your conscience and beliefs, skip these steps and join our Draft Resistance Registry for support if a draft is enacted.
- Write a signed short letter clearly stating that you are a conscientious objector to war (with a header including your full name, address, DOB, and selective service number if you have one). Briefly explain all of the following three points:
- Your moral or spiritual framework (non-religious moral beliefs are valid)
- Ex: belief in sanctity of human life, religious teachings, philosophical commitments
- How your beliefs developed
- Ex: upbringing, religious study, moral reflection, experiences that shaped conscience
- Why killing/participating in war violates those beliefs
- COs must be opposed to war in any form
- Your moral or spiritual framework (non-religious moral beliefs are valid)
- Mail two signed copies to the following addresses:
- Selective Service System, P.O. Box 94739, Palatine, IL 60094-4739
- Send certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep a copy so you can prove you did it.
- Center on Conscience and War, 10940 SW Barnes Rd #261, Portland OR 97229
- We will keep a copy on file for you in the event of a draft.
- Selective Service System, P.O. Box 94739, Palatine, IL 60094-4739
*If you would like us to review your letter before sending, please email a copy to ccw@centeronconscience.org. You can also reference our Conscientious Objection and the Draft for guidance on questions, but remember the Selective Service letter can be much more abbreviated than military CO applications.
You can also include letters of support from people in your community and family who can attest to the depth and sincerity of your beliefs. Keep copies of your letter, any letters of support you collect, as well as the confirmation letter you receive from Selective Service.
NOTE: If the draft is enacted, and your number is called, you still must register again a Conscientious Objector within a small window (about 10 days). The above documentation will serve as evidence to your claim.
BE ADVISED, beginning December 2026 draft registration will be automatic and involuntary, and may change the way registrants must identify themselves as Conscientious Objectors. Join our Draft Resistance Registry to stay updated on all necessary changes.
More information on COs and Draft Law is available here. Support our efforts by making an urgently-needed donation here.
You can reach us with questions at 1-800-379-2679 or ccw@centeronconscience.org
