Prior to the U.S.’s entry into WWI (approximately 1917-1918) every male between the age of 18 and 40 was required to register for the draft. The information found on each draft registration card was provided by the individual himself. The information on the cards varies depending on the individual draft board. But, by and large the cards include:

 
* The full name of the person (first, middle, additional middle names, and last names)

* The current address of the man

* His age

* His birthdate (some include his place of birth)

* Whether he is a U.S. citizen or a naturalized citizen
(some ask his father’s race)

* His race

* His occupation (name of employer)

* Address or location of employment

* Name and address of his next of kin

* Some cards ask if the man is married or single and how many people he supports

* Signature of the draftee

On the back of the draft card, his physical description is noted. The information may include:

* Height is broken down by short, medium, or tall (although some cards give the actual height in feet and inches)

* Build is described as slim, medium, or stout (although some cards list actual weight along with the build)

* Color of eyes and hair

* Any deformities or injuries (such as one arm missing, blind in one eye, etc.)

* Name and address of the draft board and the date

The original cards, in excess of 24 million, were received by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) a number of years ago. Upon their receipt, they were boxed and arranged by NARA employees. The original arrangement was by state, there under by county or draft board, and there under alphabetically by the registrant’s last name. The cause for arrangement by draft board instead of county is due to the size of certain cities. For example, New York City had in excess of 180 boards, Chicago had over 80. As a result, we require a street address when searching for cards in most large cities.

The cards were later microfilmed by representatives of the Genealogical Society of Utah in the exact order they were originally arranged; each NARA regional facility has a copy of the microfilm for the states in the region that it serves. Any patron wishing to use microfilm will find the cards arranged exactly as they are in the box.

NARA, Southeast Region, has provided a request form for these records for a number of years. The forms can be ordered via e-mail at archives@atlanta.nara.gov , by telephone (404-763-7383), or in writing (NARA, Southeast Region, 1557 St. Joseph Avenue, East Point, GA 30344).

At a minimum, the following information is required from the requestor for NARA staff to conduct a search for draft registration cards:                   

- Full name of registrant

- Complete home address at the time of registration (to include county)

- Name of nearest relative

Additional information, if known, which can improve the thoroughness of a search includes:

- Birth date

- Birthplace

- Occupation of registrant

In July, 1997, NARA established an updated fee schedule for services provided to the public. The minimum mail-order fee for photocopies for each WWI Draft card was increased from $6.00 to $10.00, a fee which includes both sides of the card. Patrons do not need to request both sides be copied or submit a self-addressed stamped envelope with their request.                

Walk-in customers can make self-service photocopies of the original records for $0.10 per side. Please contact individual regions for their policies regarding microfilm copies. These fees are copying fees only; there is no charge for searches when a record is not located.

The staff of the NARA, remains committed to assisting our patrons in anyway possible, including the timely and accurate dissemination of information concerning our holdings and services. The WWI Draft Registrations cards represent only one of many significant collections of historical records maintained by the Region that are invaluable for genealogical research. For additional information regarding our holdings and services (Southeast Region), visit our home page at http://www.nara.gov/regional/atlanta.html http://www.archives.gov/index.html

WWI Draft Registration Card Request Form