Requirements

Effective 2026 To compete you must:

• Miss America 18-28 – must be 18 by state competition, and no older than 27 at state competition. 

• Be a United States citizen.

• Residency - Must fulfill one of the following:

1. 1. Must reside in the local area of competition
   2. Be enrolled in and physically attending classes on a full-time basis at an accredited college or university in the local area of competition
   3. Be employed on a full-time basis in the local area in which she intends to compete.

• Meet character criteria as set forth by the Miss America Organization. 
• Be in reasonably good health to meet the job requirements.
• Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local, state and national competition(s) in which you compete.
• Register directly with Miss America as an applicant for the Miss Tri-Cities Competition - $40
• MAO registration​ link
• Candidates must meet all additional requirements pursuant to the Miss America State and Local Application & Agreement at www.missamerica.org.