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Modelling · New York · Los Angeles · Miami

How to become a model in the United States

Apply directly through an agency’s own website: most New York, Los Angeles and Miami agencies use online forms and ask for unedited phone snapshots. New York’s Fashion Workers Act bars signing fees and requires model management companies to register with the state; California and Florida bar talent agencies from charging registration fees.

By , Founder & Editor · Application routes checked · Editorial policy

Official application routes

Which modelling agencies in the United States can I apply to?

14 agencies · checked 2026-10-01

Each link goes to the agency’s own application page or official contact route — never a third party. Details are as each agency publishes them; where an agency publishes nothing, we say nothing.

How it works

How do agencies in the United States recruit?

  • Open calls are now rare. Next has cancelled them until further notice and Ford is not holding them in New York, Los Angeles or Miami; Muse (Thursdays) and Select Los Angeles (first and third Tuesdays) still publish times. Next Management — recruitment ↗
  • Agencies want natural snapshots, not a paid portfolio. The Society says phone photos taken by a friend or family member are perfectly acceptable; The Industry and Women Management say no experience or professional photos are needed. The Society Management — get scouted ↗
  • One form can cover several offices: Wilhelmina, Next, Ford and The Industry let you choose New York, Los Angeles or Miami on the same application. Wilhelmina — become a model ↗
  • Most agencies reply only if they are interested. Storm Los Angeles contacts shortlisted applicants only, and Marilyn asks applicants not to chase their submission. Storm Management LA — apply ↗
  • In New York, check for a Fashion Workers Act registration. IMG, The Society, Wilhelmina and Marilyn publish their New York State certificates, each issued for two years and valid only for the address shown. IMG Models — New York State Fashion Workers Act ↗
  • The New York State Department of Labor publishes a registry of model management companies and groups registered under the Act. NYS DOL — Model Management Company/Group Registry ↗

Fees, contracts and safeguarding

What are the rules in the United States?

Under 18? Involve a parent or guardian at every step. Read the under-18 guide ↗

Official programmes

Are there model searches in the United States?

FAQ

Modelling in the United States, answered

Do US modelling agencies charge a fee to apply?

They should not. New York’s Fashion Workers Act bars model management companies from requiring a deposit or fee for signing, California and Florida bar talent agencies from charging registration fees, and the FTC says any agency asking for money to represent you is a scam. IMG and Next say they never ask applicants for payment, and DNA says it charges no fee to view your pictures.

How do I check that a New York agency is registered?

The State Department of Labor publishes a registry of model management companies and groups registered under the Fashion Workers Act. IMG, The Society, Wilhelmina and Marilyn also publish their registration certificates on their own websites.

Do I need professional photos to apply?

No. The Society, The Industry, Women Management and The Lions all say professional photos are not needed. Send recent, unedited phone snapshots with no make-up: usually a close-up, a profile and a full-length shot.

How do I check that a scout is real?

Use the agency’s own published contacts. Ford staff email only from fordmodels.com addresses; DNA, Next and Wilhelmina ask you to call an office. IMG and Next say they do not interview over Skype, and DNA says it does not interview over FaceTime.

Can under-18s apply to US agencies?

Yes, with a parent or guardian involved. IMG accepts applications from 14 with a guardian’s consent, The Society from 16 with parental approval, and The Industry says minors must be accompanied by an adult. Storm LA asks under-18s to complete the form with a parent or guardian.

Sources

Where this comes from.

Other countries

Apply elsewhere.