Surrogates: become a surrogate

How to become a surrogate

The short answer

To become a gestational surrogate with Private Label Surrogacy you must be 21 to 43, a US citizen or permanent resident, have a BMI under 33, have carried at least one healthy full-term pregnancy and be raising a child now, be a non-smoker, receive no government assistance, and live in a stable home in a surrogacy-friendly state. The path has seven stages: a five-minute prescreen, an intake interview, a records review by Mark Silverberg, MD, a psychological evaluation and background check, matching with intended parents, legal contracts with your own attorney, and medical screening at the intended parents' fertility clinic. First-time surrogates receive a typical total package of roughly $68,000 to $78,000, built on $60,000 base compensation. Application to delivery usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Written by Nancy Block, RN

Founder and Director. Fertility nurse, 17 years at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Former President, SEEDS.

Medically reviewed by Mark Silverberg, MD

Last updated October 14, 2026

Who qualifies to become a surrogate?

This section is being written.

What does a gestational surrogate actually do?

This section is being written.

What are the seven steps from application to delivery?

This section is being written.

How much do surrogates get paid, and when?

This section is being written.

What screening does PLS do that other agencies skip?

This section is being written.

What support do you get during the pregnancy?

This section is being written.

How long does it take to become a surrogate?

This section is being written.

How do you apply?

This section is being written.

Table in preparation

Seven-stage timeline table: stage, who you meet, what is checked, typical duration, what you are paid at that stage.

Editor notes (B-001): Confirm $60,000 first-time base (proposed, up from $55,000) and the $68,000 to $78,000 typical total with Nancy before publishing. Confirm 12 to 18 month surrogate-side timeline. Replace current 'born nurturers' hero copy; keep testimonials from Tabitha, Elisa, Megan.

Frequently asked questions

Can you become a surrogate if you have never been pregnant?

No. PLS and ASRM guidance both require at least one healthy full-term pregnancy, and PLS requires that you are currently parenting a child.

How much do first-time surrogates get paid?

First-time PLS surrogates receive $60,000 base compensation plus allowances and fees that bring a typical total package to roughly $68,000 to $78,000 (figures to be confirmed; compensation, not wages).

Do you need your own health insurance to become a surrogate?

No. PLS reviews your policy; if it excludes surrogacy, the intended parents fund a surrogacy-friendly policy.

Do you need a lawyer to become a surrogate?

Yes. You get your own independent attorney and the intended parents pay the fee. Illinois law requires independent counsel for both sides.

How long does it take to become a surrogate?

Screening and clearance usually take one to two months, matching varies, the medical cycle takes two to three months, and the pregnancy nine months, so 12 to 18 months from application to delivery is typical.