If a state legislature wants to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution, it begins the convention process by passing a piece of legislation called an application that indicates its desire to meet with other states at an Article V Convention. This usually takes the form of a joint or concurrent resolution, and does not need the governor's signature. It may optionally include a sunset clause or items of particular interest to the legislature. If the application contains specific topics the legislature wishes to discuss, it may further stipulate that these are the only topics it wants on the table at the convention. This exclusionary language is what differentiates an application for a general convention from one for a limited-subject convention.

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Each state that passes an application sends it to Congress. When 2/3 of the states have passed an application, Congress must call—or specify the date and location of—the convention.