In 1917 and 1918, over twenty-four million men registered for the draft for World War I. There were three draft registrations. The first was on June 5, 1917, and was for all men between the ages of 21 and 31. The second was on June 5, 1918, and required the registration of those who attained age 21 after June 5, 1917. A supplemental registration was held on August 24, 1918 for those who become 21 years old after June 5, 1918. The third registration was held on September 12, 1918 for men aged 18 through 45. The registration included all men, whether native born, naturalized, or alien.
Click on the thumbnail image to see the card full size.
The records at the Atlanta Archives Branch are part of Records of the Selective Service
System (World War I), Record Group 163. The Draft Registration Cards are Series 1 PMGO
Form 1. This form number can be noted on the bottom of the 1918 registration card, side 1.
Also in this collection of records are Docket Books (Series 2 PMGO Form 178) and classification
lists (Series 3 PMGO From 1000) which show, for each registrant, dates of each step in the
induction process through acceptance or rejection at mobilization camps.
You can obtain a copy of a persons World War I draft registration by sending a request to:
National Archives and Records Administration
Southeast Region
1557 St. Joseph Avenue
East Point, Georgia 30344-2593
Your request must include the name of the person and the address where the person was living.
For areas outside of large cities, the county of residence is usually sufficient.
For those living in large cities, a street address is necessary, so that
the Selective Service board where the person registered can be determined.
If the draft registration is found, you will receive an acknowledgement letter from the
Southeast Regional Archives. You must return that acknowledgement letter along with a
check or money order, to receive the copy of the registration. The copies are normally
$10.00 per registered person, payable to The National Archives Trust Fund.
Another source for records is the
Nebraska State Historical Society. Send a request for information
to the address listed at the NSHS web site, and ask for information on World War Service Cards.