Eligibility for 2026 and beyond.

To become a local or state participant for the Competition Cycle 2026,  competing as a State Titleholder at nationals in September 2026, you must meet the age criteria as shown below: 

• Miss America 18-28 – must be NO OLDER than 28 on September 30, 2026, no younger than 18 on Sept. 1, 2026. 

• Miss America’s Teen 14-18 –  must be no YOUNGER than 14 by Sept. 1, 2026, no older than 18 on Sept. 30, 2026.

For All Ages you must ALSO meet criteria as shown below:

• Be a United States citizen

• Be a female

• Single

• No legal dependents

• Living full-time as a resident of your state, or employed full-time in person, or enrolled full-time as a student at an accredited school/college