Ready to take the stage? We’re looking for driven, community-minded young women who are ready to make a difference — and have a little fun while doing it. Follow the steps below to get started! 

Compete

Eligibility 

To become a participant for Miss Austin or Miss Austin's Teen, you must meet all criteria as shown below (starting July 2025):

  • Miss America: Delegates must be no older than 28 years of age as of September 30, 2026

  • Miss America’s Teen: Delegates must be no younger than 14 or no older than 18 as of September 1, 2026

  • Be a United States Citizen

  • Be a natural-born female

  • Meet residency requirements for competing in your city or state

Step 1: Register with Miss America

All young women competing for TEEN or MISS must first register directly with the Miss America Organization.

  • Club America membership is $49.99 per year and will automatically renew annually unless you cancel. All payments are processed securely with bank-level encryption to protect your information.

  • If you select the Teen Division, you’ll see a few extra questions. Be sure to indicate whether the contestant is 17 or younger; this ensures the correct delegate agreement is sent to the applicant and/or their parent or guardian.

  • Once you complete the membership application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps, helpful resources, and access to our exclusive membership community.

Step 2: Fill Out Your Agreements

After paying your fee to Miss America, you should receive a text message and two emails:

  • If you need help filling out the agreement or have any questions, please send an email to info@missaustin.org.

  • If you need help filling out the agreement or have any questions, please send an email to info@missaustin.org.

Step 3: Register for Miss Austin Local

Visit the link below and select TEXAS, then the Miss Austin/Miss Austin’s Teen Competition:

  • Click the button below to register.

  • Please take a screenshot of the confirmation page once you have completed it.

Step 4: Pay the Local Registration Fee

Please pay the Miss Austin Local Competition fee of $100. No refunds available at this time.

Step 5: Fundraise for the AHA Partnership

After you complete the steps above, you will receive an email to create an account with the American Heart Association*. You are encouraged to share the campaign with friends & family. You must raise $30 and provide proof with a screenshot in our Contestant Portal.

*If you already competed in the 2026 cycle, you will already have an account created.

Step 6: Access to Contestant Portal

Once you complete steps 1-4, you will be emailed the access code to our Contestant Portal. This is where you will upload all of your paperwork for the competition and your proof of fundraising for AHA. You will find instructions on Program Book Ads Submissions, Competition Schedule and Order, Payment Links, and more!