In Virginia, applying for a learner’s permit, driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or a special identification card comes with an important requirement for young men: registration with the Selective Service System. This article breaks down what you need to know about this process when applying at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Who Needs to Register for Selective Service in Virginia Through the DMV?
According to Virginia law, every male applicant under the age of 26 must be registered with the Selective Service System when applying for any of the mentioned DMV documents. This requirement applies to both United States citizens and immigrants. This means if you are a man between the ages of 18 and 25, and you are applying for or renewing your Virginia driving credentials, you will likely be Registered For The Selective Service as part of your application process.
How Does DMV Registration for Selective Service Work?
The Virginia DMV application forms are designed to facilitate this registration process. When you fill out your application, it will include a section related to Selective Service. You will typically indicate one of two things:
- That you are already registered for the Selective Service.
- That you authorize the DMV to forward your personal information to the Selective Service System for registration.
In most cases, by submitting your application, you are giving your consent for the DMV to electronically send your necessary personal details to the Selective Service System. The DMV application forms explicitly notify applicants that submitting the form grants consent to be registered for the Selective Service System, if required by federal law.
It’s important to note that if you are under 18, the information collected by the Selective Service System will not be used to register you until you reach the age of 18.
Parental or Guardian Consent for Applicants Under 18
For male applicants under eighteen years old, the application process involves additional steps to ensure consent. If you are under 18, your application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. If you do not have a parent or guardian, a judge from the juvenile and domestic relations district court in your city or county must sign your application.
There are exceptions for minors who are married or emancipated. If you are a married or emancipated minor, you can provide proof of your marriage or emancipation order and sign the application yourself, without needing parental, guardian, or judicial consent. By signing the application, whether it’s you, your parent, guardian, or a judge, you are authorizing the DMV to register the applicant with the Selective Service System.
Consequences of Not Registering
Declining to register for the Selective Service when required by subsection A of the Virginia law will result in the denial of your DMV application. If you are a male applicant who is obligated to register and you refuse or fail to do so, you will not be able to obtain or renew your learner’s permit, driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or special identification card in Virginia.
In Summary
For young men in Virginia, being registered for the selective service is a standard part of the DMV application process for driving permits and licenses. Understanding this requirement ensures a smoother application experience and compliance with both state and federal laws. Make sure to acknowledge the Selective Service section on your application form to avoid any delays or denial of your application.
