Georgia World War II, Draft Registration Cards - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, for the state of Georgia. The index cards are located at the NARA - Southeast Regional facility. This collection covers all counties and is alphabetical. The records are for men and women born between 1897 and 1929 and covers multiple registrations. The collection was located at the NARA SW region in Forth Worth Texas. For additional information about this collection contact the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. The draft registration cards are preprinted forms with information recorded on the front and back and is arranged alphabetically by surname. The cards are part of Record Group 147: Records of the Selective Service System, 1926-1975. In August of 2013, the National Archives replaced the ARC – Archival Research Catalog - with the OPA – Online Public Access. ARC identifiers will still work to access the collections in OPA.

The Selective Service Act of 1940 required that men between the ages of 21–36 register for the draft. This was the United States' first peacetime draft. The draft was run like a lottery with those chosen required to serve for 12 months. During the summer of 1941, the draft was extended for all men who had reached their 18th birthday up to those who had not yet reached the 45th birthday—up until the day before their 45th birthday. The length of service was also extended to 18 months, but could be extended further if national security required.

In December of 1941, after the United States had entered World War II, the draft was again extended. All men ages 22–44 became responsible for service in the military and all men ages 18–64 were required to register for the draft. Time of service was extended to six months after the war ended. This draft registration, called the Fourth Registration, or Old Man’s Registration, was held on April 27, 1942. The purpose of this registration was to collect information on industrial capacity and skills of men who were born between April 27, 1877 and February 16, 1897 (ages 45 to 64). This draft registration was not intended to be used for military service but to provide a complete inventory of manpower resources in the United States that could be utilized for national service during World War II. Draft registration cards were filled out at the registrant’s home and then mailed to the Selective Service Board.

World War II Registration Dates

 * First Registration October 16, 1940: males ages 21 to 35 "within the continental United States"
 * Second Registration July 1, 1941: males "who had reached 21 sine the first registration"
 * Third Registration February 16, 1942: between the ages of 20 and 45 "who had not previously registered"
 * Fourth Registration April 27, 1942: between the ages of 45 and 65 "not eligible for military service" This registration is not included in this collection.
 * Fifth Registration June 30, 1942: between the ages of 18 and 20
 * Sixth Registration December 10-31, 1942: "those who reached the age of 18 after November 12, 1942"
 * Additional Registration between November 16 and December 31, 1943: "citizens living abroad between the ages of 18 and 45"

What Can These Records Tell Me?
These records may contain the following information:


 * Name, Serial Number, and Order Number
 * Address
 * Telephone
 * Age and date of birth
 * Place of birth
 * Country of citizenship


 * Name of person who will always know the address
 * Relationship of that person
 * Address of that person
 * Employer’s name
 * Place of employment or business
 * Race


 * Height, weight, and complexion
 * Obvious identifying physical characteristics

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The age of your ancestor
 * The person's date of birth
 * The place where the person registered
 * The names of family members and their relationships

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s draft registration card, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the birth date or along with the residence or place of birth to locate a birth certificate and other records such as church, school, and land records
 * The person to notify in case of emergency is usually a close relative such as a parent or spouse
 * Use the birth date and birth place or residence to search for census records
 * Compile the entries for other individuals who have the same surname. This is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been also belonged to the National Guard
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names
 * Look for an index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Georgia.
 * US Military Basic Search Strategies
 * Finding a World War II (1939-1945) Veteran's Records
 * Georgia Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research
 * Beginning Research in United States Military Records

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying you sources helps others find the records you used.