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Do I have to register with the government under the 2025 rule?

The federal registration rule is real, it is in force, and no court has stopped it. Many people are already registered without knowing it. If you are not, registering and not registering both carry risk. This page tells you who is covered, what each choice can mean, and why this is a decision to make with a lawyer.

Where this applies
Federal law. It applies the same in every state, including California. Local legal help listed is for San Mateo and Santa Clara County residents, with statewide and national options.
Facts checked
Who it’s for

People anywhere in the United States without immigration status who are 14 or older, parents of children without status, and people with DACA, TPS or a pending case who are not sure if they count as registered. Also for pastors, teachers and helpers who get this question.

On this page

Take the next step

We know this rule is scary. It was written to find people. You do not have to decide alone, and you do not have to decide today without help. This page is general information, not legal advice.

What is the registration rule?

An old federal law says noncitizens must register with the government and give fingerprints. For decades, there was no form for people who came without papers to do it. In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made one: Form G-325R.

The first version started on April 11, 2025. DHS published a final version on June 29, 2026, and it took effect that day. It changed the list of papers that count as proof of registration.

DHS says plainly that registration "is not an immigration status." It does not give you a work permit or any right to stay. DHS also says the information helps it know where noncitizens live, and the law lets it share registration information with federal, state and local law enforcement.

Who has to register?

By law, a noncitizen who:

  • is 14 or older,
  • has been in the U.S. 30 days or more, and
  • has not already registered

must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Parents or legal guardians must register children under 14.

Am I already registered?

You may be registered already and not know it. The federal rule lists papers that count as proof. If the government ever issued you one of these, you count as registered (checked October 19, 2026):

  • A work permit (Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document). This covers most people with DACA, TPS or a pending asylum or green card case who received a card.
  • A green card (Form I-551)
  • An I-94 arrival record, including people who entered on a visa or were paroled in
  • A Notice to Appear (Form I-862) or a notice sending your case to an immigration judge (Form I-863)
  • An expedited removal order (Form I-860) or a notice reinstating an old order (Form I-871)
  • A border crossing card or a trusted traveler card like SENTRI or Global Entry

You also count as registered if you filed certain applications and gave fingerprints, such as a green card application (Form I-485).

Who is usually not registered? People who came without being inspected and have never had a case, a work permit or any immigration paper. This is the group the new form was made for.

If you are not sure, a lawyer can check. See Get a copy of your immigration file.

How do people register?

Only online, at uscis.gov, using Form G-325R.

  1. Each person creates their own USCIS online account.
  2. They fill out Form G-325R with their personal details, including their address.
  3. USCIS sets a fingerprint appointment at a local Application Support Center. Fingerprints are waived for some people, like children under 14.
  4. USCIS posts a document called Proof of Alien G-325R Registration in the account. It can be downloaded and printed.

It is free. Anyone who charges you to "register you" is not doing something the government requires them to do. Watch for immigration scams.

Please do not file this form on your own without legal advice. The next section explains why.

What are the risks either way?

This is the hard part, and we want to be honest with you. There is no safe choice for everyone. Your history changes everything.

If you register:

  • DHS gets your name, address and other details. It has said it wants this information to find people.
  • You must report every move within 10 days.
  • DHS says the law lets it share registration information with federal, state and local law enforcement. Assume immigration enforcement can see what you write.

If you are required to register and you don't:

  • Willfully not registering is a federal misdemeanor. The law allows a fine, up to six months in jail, or both.
  • It could be raised against you if you are ever arrested or in immigration court.
  • Prosecutions have been rare so far. TRAC, a research group at Syracuse University, counted 4 federal prosecutions for this charge in fiscal year 2026, through June 2026.

Legal groups agree on one thing: talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative before you decide. Bring your full history. A lawyer may spot a path to status, or a reason you are already registered. Free help is listed below.

Do I have to carry proof?

Yes, if you are registered and 18 or older. Federal law says registered adults must carry their proof of registration at all times. Not carrying it is a misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $5,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

For many people, that proof is a work permit. For others it is a green card or the G-325R proof.

Proof of registration also shows your immigration situation to whoever sees it. Before you hand any paper to an agent, know your rights. See If immigration agents come and Red cards.

DHS has asked whether to remove work permits from the list of proof in the future. If that happens, some people who count as registered today may have to file. Before you rely on a work permit as proof, check the USCIS alien registration page for any change.

What about my children?

  • Under 14: the law puts the duty on the parent or legal guardian. The parent makes a USCIS account in the child's name and files through it. There is no criminal penalty for the child.
  • Turning 14: a child who was registered before 14 must apply again within 30 days after their 14th birthday.
  • Citizen children never register. This rule is only for noncitizens.

If your child's status is unclear, see Helping a young person find out if they have immigration options.

What if I move?

Registered noncitizens must tell DHS about a new address within 10 days. Not doing so can be a misdemeanor and can be used to start removal. See How to tell USCIS you moved.

Is anyone fighting the rule in court?

Yes. A group of immigrant rights organizations sued in March 2025 (CHIRLA v. DHS, in federal court in Washington, D.C.). The judge did not stop the rule. An appeal is pending in the D.C. Circuit. When we checked on October 21, 2026, no court had blocked the rule and we found no appeals decision (case record). Check that case record, or ask a lawyer, before you decide.

Questions people ask us

I have DACA. Do I need to register? If you were ever issued a DACA work permit, you count as registered. DHS says DACA applicants who were issued a work permit are registered, and that an expired form that counts as proof still counts (final rule, 91 FR 39296 and 39314). Carry your card if you are 18 or older. The rule does not say whether carrying an expired card meets the carry duty, and it does not say whether a DACA approval with no work permit ever issued counts. If either is you, ask a lawyer before you file anything.

Does registering give me a work permit or a path to papers? No. DHS says registration is not a status and gives no benefit.

Will registering get me deported? We cannot promise either way. It gives DHS your address, and DHS has said it uses this information for enforcement. That is why a lawyer should look at your case first.

I came on a visa and overstayed. Am I registered? Usually yes, through your I-94 arrival record. Confirm with a lawyer.

Is a notario allowed to register me? Only an attorney or a DOJ accredited representative may give you legal advice about it. Notarios cannot.

Who can help?

These are free or low cost public offices and nonprofits. The first five are for San Mateo and Santa Clara County residents. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

See also Free legal help in the Bay Area.

Is there a worksheet I can print?

Yes. Fill it out and bring it to your lawyer or clinic. Do not bring it to any government office.

You are more than a form. Whatever you decide, decide it with good advice and with people who care about you. Do not lose hope.

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Printed from https://donotlosehope.com/guides/have-register-government-under-2025-rule/. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal advice.

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