Click here for Eligibility Requirements

Initial Questions

What are the eligibility requirements?

TEEN DIVISION: You may apply if you:
• Are female (recognized medically and legally in the U.S.)
• Are a U.S. citizen
• Meet the required age range for the current competition year
• Have never been married, had a marriage annulled, or given birth
• Are not currently pregnant

MISS DIVISION: You may apply if you:
• Are female (recognized medically and legally in the U.S.)
• Are a U.S. citizen
• Meet the minimum age requirement (no upper age cap)

Full eligibility details are outlined in the official application.

Do I need pageant experience? No. Many contestants begin with little or no previous experience. Preparation resources and guidance are provided throughout the process.

Do I need to win a local pageant to compete? No. You do not need to win a preliminary or local pageant to compete at the state level. Every contestant receives a Weekend Title upon acceptance. An Official Local USA Title is optional and awarded by the state office.

Is there a talent competition? No. The competition consists of three scored categories: Interview, Activewear (Teen) or Swimsuit (Miss), and Evening Gown.

Are there height or weight requirements? No. There are no height or weight requirements. Judges evaluate overall fitness, confidence, and stage presence.

What qualities are you looking for in a winner? We seek confident, coachable, well-rounded individuals who will represent their state with professionalism at the national MISS USA® or MISS TEEN USA® competition.

What happens after I submit the online form? Your application will be reviewed by our team. If selected as a potential candidate, you will be contacted to schedule a brief introductory call and receive next-step information.

Participation & Sponsorship

Is there a participation fee? Yes. The participation investment includes entry into the competition, production expenses, and access to official training workshops and resources. Flexible payment plans are available.

Can I secure sponsors? Yes. Many contestants offset part or all of their investment through sponsorships. We provide guidance and sample materials to help you approach businesses, community leaders, and personal supporters.

What happens if I raise additional funds? Additional funds may be applied toward wardrobe, travel, optional Spotlight Ads, or other competition-related expenses.

Are payments refundable? All payments made to Empower2 Productions are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable. This includes registration fees, participation investments, upgrades, advertising purchases, and optional add-ons.

What are Spotlight Ads? Spotlight Ads are optional full-page features in the official program book that provide additional visibility during pageant weekend. Details are provided upon acceptance.

Why might residency verification be required? Certain documents (such as a transcript or report card for teens) may be requested to verify residency. These documents are not shared with judges and do not impact scoring.

What happens if I miss a deadline? Deadlines are important to maintain production quality. If an unforeseen circumstance arises, contact the state office immediately.

Travel & Weekend Information

What are my travel and lodging responsibilities? Contestants are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. A host hotel room block is reserved for convenience and full participation in weekend events. Staying at the host hotel is strongly encouraged.

Do my supporters need tickets? Yes. All guests must purchase tickets to attend pageant events. Contestants do not need tickets. Program books, photos, and official video packages are available for purchase.

What are the responsibilities of winning? State titleholders participate in appearances throughout the year, which may include parades, speaking engagements, sponsor events, and community outreach. Education, career, and family remain priorities, and scheduling is coordinated with each titleholder.

Are tattoos or piercings allowed? Yes. Tattoos and piercings are permitted. Contestants may choose to cover them if desired, but they are not grounds for disqualification.

Competition Format & Wardrobe

How is the competition scored? Interview evaluates communication skills and personality. Swimsuit (Miss Division) and Activewear (Teen Division) evaluate fitness and stage presence. Evening Gown evaluates poise, confidence, and overall presentation.

Do I need separate gowns for prelims and finals? No. The same gown may be worn for both rounds.

What is required for the opening number? All contestants provide an opening outfit. Specific details are shared in the contestant handbook.

Can family assist backstage? No outside assistance is permitted backstage. Contestants should be prepared to be self-sufficient for hair, makeup, and wardrobe.

Can we record the pageant? Personal videotaping is not permitted. Official photo and video packages are available through our production team.

How do I know if this opportunity is right for me? If you are ambitious, open to growth, and ready to challenge yourself, this stage was designed for you. Confidence is built through action — the first step is applying.