Ack! I have references, they just aren't ready!

Yup I would go with B. I faced a similar situation where option B was not available; I had to include references and the deadline was hours away. My reference, of course, would have totally been fine with it. The only hiccup was that I then forgot that I had listed them (it was a mass-application like recruiting process, and this was the only job out of 30+ requiring a reference). Fast forward to after my second interview with this employer, and I finally double-check my original application (like I said, it was a mass recruiting process), and, to my horror, I see that I had listed this reference without clearing it with them. By the time I called, my reference had just gotten off the phone with the employer! Fortunately, they were super cool about it and pretended like they knew exactly who was calling and why (they may have also just thought they had forgotten that I had asked). In any event, I apologized profusely, and felt pretty terrible. That was a definite no no. I learned from my mistake though and am much more diligent about this kind of thing now. (And I got the job). It is certainly a learning process, especially for people like me who aren't the most detailed-oriented in the world. I'm glad you're being proactive about it. So although my situation was different, I would suggest strongly against listing your references without clearing it with them first. Even if you were to call them first thing the next morning, you can't be sure what they will say. I think writing "References Available Upon Request" is fine — it shows that you're only serious if they are serious about you.

For me the deciding factor would be whether these people have agreed to be references previously and so it'll just be a matter of letting them know that you're actively applying and they might get a call — in which case, A, being sure to contact them no later than first thing in the morning — or if it will be the first time you've asked them to be references — in which case B.

Just wanted to chime back in that while yes, checking ahead of time with your references *should* be a formality, it's usually best to "ask" not "tell." Not implying that the OP will actually have any problem getting the okay from the references, but I've read posts before (I think on Ask a Manager, maybe on AskMe) along the lines of "help, someone put me down as a reference but I don't feel comfortable recommending them!"

I too would list my references and then give them a heads up after the fact. Especially if it's a government job where you have to follow the instructions to the letter. Available on Request is old-school and most places either don't ask for references until you're well into the process, or they'll ask for them up front, but will wait to call them until you're about to be hired.

Just list them and then tell them later. Sorry I guess it's too late, but I hope that's what you did. :) I've been listing the same people for years and I figure they know they're on retainer should I apply for a new job. I've heard from managers who ditch resumes/apps that say "available on request" because, duh, why wouldn't they be?

You probably need to take seriously the risk that your application will get tossed if you don't give references, if they specifically asked for them. If you're determined to do the right thing by your referees, how about this. Write in your references, then confirm it's ok with your referees in the morning. In the unlikely event they say no (why would they?) you can always ring up the employer and cancel your job application.

I would do A. Writing references available upon request? They did request them. Put in the names and contact them tomorrow.

I'm going to have to say option A. I mean, asking permission is pretty much a formality. Do you expect any of them to say no? The reason you ask is so that they have a heads up, which you will certainly have time for in the morning.

Most companies are not going to be calling your references until after they interview you - usually it's the last step. I'd put in the people you think would likely be comfortable being references for you. Then email/call those people in the morning and ask if they are comfortable being references for you. Most likely they will say yes. If one says no, then you find someone else. Then you can either a) go back to the online system and update with the new person (if it lets you) or b) at the interview, say that since the time you submitted the application you were able to get in touch with someone who was a better reference than one of the people you had initially submitted, and hand them an updated list (and follow up by emailing it to them).