How to Join - Cadets
Step 1
Review the Squadron Contact Information and Civil Air Patrol's Great Start Program.
Step 2
Complete the Great Start Open House Signup.
Step 3
Attend at least three weekly meetings.
Step 4
Complete the Membership Application
The local CAP squadron will give you a membership application or provide you with the information on how to apply online.
Download the Cadet Membership Application
****VERY IMPORTANT - Do not refresh your screen or submit your application more than once. This will result in duplicate payments, and you will also get a "Duplicate Social Security Number Error".
Please email Membership (membershipservices@capnhq.gov ) to assist if you have ANY issues submitting your application. Please include the first and last name of the applicant in your email.
Annual membership dues vary by state.
Click here for the membership dues table.
Step 5
Submit your application through one of the following ways:
Online
Ask your squadron commander if you are eligible to apply online. Only new cadets can join online. Former members have to submit a paper application.
When you join online, your form of payment is charged immediately. However, the membership is in a pending status until the squadron commander verifies the prospective cadet's proof of identity.
Once the proof of identity has been confirmed, the commander can approve the application and the cadet will be an active member. For a list of acceptable documents used for the proof of identity, please see Attachment 2 in CAP Regulation 39-2 CAP Membership.
Dues can be paid by check made payable to Civil Air Patrol or by money order. You can also include your credit card information with the form. We can accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover and will need the card number, expiration date, security code, and name on the card.
Mail your completed application and dues payment to:
Civil Air Patrol/DP
105 S. Hansell St.
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
Expedited Mail
FedEx and UPS both deliver directly to the National Headquarters building.
Priority/Certified Mail from the United States Postal Service may be delayed several days while it is routed through the Air Force base mail system.
When your application is received by Member Services at National Headquarters, it is date-stamped and processed in order by the date it arrived. The cadet will receive an automated welcome email when the membership is processed.