1. Population: States generally need to have a set minimum number of people. As of 2023, new states need at least 60,000 people
2. Organization: The territory needs to demonstrate that it is prepared for statehood by establishing an active local government that can carry out all of the functions that states are responsible for.
3. Consent: Congress passes a bill to admit the new state, which must be consented to by the existing states in the Union (this is known as "ratification"), usually through resolutions passed in their respective legislatures.
4. Resources: The territory needs to have enough economic and natural resources to sustain its population and state government.
Once these requirements are met, the territory can apply for statehood. Congress will then consider the application and pass a bill to admit the new state into the Union. The bill must be signed into law by the President, and then the new state is officially recognized as part of the United States.
