The *civilian draft registration* should NOT be confused with induction into the military,  as only a small percentage of the men who registered for the draft, were actually called up for military service.

Because of laws passed in 1917 and 1918, all men, whether citizens or not (that means aliens too), had to register for the draft. This list contains information on men born between 1873 and 1900, whether they were born in the United States or elsewhere. While not all the registration cards asked for details on birthplace, you will find that information on many of the cards. There were three registration dates covering men born in different time periods. The last registration was on 12 September 1918. For each of these registrations, men were asked different questions, all of them having information that is pertinent to family research.

The registrations were:

1st Registration- men born between 06 Jun 1886 to 05 Jun 1896. This form asked 12 questions including birth date, exact birthplace, occupation, previous military experience and nearest relative.

2nd Registration - men born between 06 Jun 1896 and 05 Jun 1897; and a 2nd Supplement Registration covering those born up to 24 Aug 1897. There was also a Supplemental Registration to this which included men born up to 24 August 1897. Among the questions asked were the country of origin and father's birthplace.

3rd Registration - men born between 12 Sept 1873 and 25 Aug 1897 and then to 12 Sept 1900. This registration asked for occupation, country to which alien is subject, and nearest relative.

All of the above Registrations asked the name and residence of the person, his date of birth, race, citizenship, where employed, a physical description and the signature of the registrant.

The registration cards have been microfilmed by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. The records are on microfilm and can be accessed through your local Family History Center. You will find them listed under the United States - World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 (Author/Title Section on microfiche) or the catalogue heading to look for is:  [NAME OF STATE]- MILITARY RECORDS - WORLD WAR I.  Then look for the reels of the county/city where your man registered.  Large cities have multiple districts.

Copies of the original draft cards may be obtained by requesting a copy of a request form from the National Archives (NARA) at the address below. The request form is designed to gather as much information from the researcher as possible so the staff can conduct a thorough search. The form may also be obtained by sending an electronic mail to: archives@atlanta.nara.gov  NARA requires one request form per registrant. They prefer that you do "not" send money with the request. They will notify the researcher if the card they desire is found, and inform you of the fee.

National Archives, Southeast Region
1557 St. Joseph Avenue
East Point, GA 30344