So you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate in North Carolina? That’s wonderful—and as surrogacy experts, we think what you’re considering is truly meaningful. One of the first questions on your mind is probably, “How long is this actually going to take?” Most people are pleasantly surprised to learn that the surrogacy process typically takes 6-12 months from your first application to embryo transfer—and that’s actually faster than many other states. Your specific timeline depends on factors like how quickly you complete your screenings, how long it takes to find your perfect match, and even what time of year you begin your journey.
Ready to learn more about your surrogacy journey? Explore becoming a surrogate today and get personalized timeline estimates that fit your unique situation.
As surrogacy experts, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect at each phase, help you understand what might speed things up (or slow them down), and give you the insider knowledge to feel confident about your path forward. Because when you’re considering something this meaningful, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting into.
Your North Carolina Surrogacy Timeline: What to Actually Expect
6-12 months from application to embryo transfer—that’s what you can typically expect. But let’s break that down because those numbers can feel pretty abstract when you’re trying to plan your life around this meaningful decision.
The Complete Process:
- Getting Started (Weeks 1-4): Application, initial screening, agency selection
- Screening and Approval (Weeks 5-12): Medical and psychological evaluations, background checks
- Finding Your Match (Weeks 8-16): Meeting intended parents, building relationships
- Legal and Medical Prep (Weeks 16-20): Contracts, legal reviews, medical protocols
- Medical Process (Weeks 20-24): Medications, embryo transfer preparation
- Transfer and Beyond: The moment you’ve all been working toward
Now, before you start marking your calendar, remember that these phases often overlap beautifully. You might be working on legal contracts while also deepening your relationship with your intended parents. And that’s part of what makes this journey so rich and dynamic.
The state has some real advantages that can actually speed up your timeline compared to other regions. North Carolina has surrogacy-friendly laws, experienced fertility clinics from Asheville to the Outer Banks, and a strong network of support professionals who truly understand this process. Plus, the state’s central East Coast location means intended parents from across the region often choose to work here, creating shorter wait times and more matching opportunities for you.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: the timeline isn’t just about waiting—it’s about building the foundation for one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Wonder what makes the difference between a smooth 6-month journey and a challenging 12-month one?
Phase 1: Getting Started (Weeks 1-4)
Taking the First Step
So you’ve decided to explore surrogacy—congratulations on even considering something this generous. The getting-started phase typically takes about a month, but it can happen faster if you’re really motivated (and who wouldn’t be excited about the possibility of helping create a family?).
Choosing Your Surrogacy Professional
This is crucial. The agency or professional you choose will shape every single aspect of your experience. Some agencies can guide you through initial screening in two weeks, while others might take six.
What to look for in a partner who’ll support you well:
- Response time: Do they get back to you quickly when you have questions?
- Local expertise: They should know the state’s requirements like the back of their hand
- Clear timeline expectations: If they can’t give you realistic timeframes, that’s worth noting
Want help choosing the right agency? Check out our guide to the best surrogacy agencies to find professionals who’ll keep you moving forward confidently. In our experience, agencies like American Surrogacy tend to have the systems and support in place to help streamline your timeline.
Initial Application and Phone Screening
Most surrogacy applications take 30-45 minutes to complete. You’ll answer thoughtful questions about your pregnancy history, lifestyle, and what’s motivating you to consider surrogacy. Then comes the phone screening—usually within a week of submitting your application, and it’s typically a warm, conversational call.
Pro tip: Have your medical records handy when you apply. The faster you can provide documentation of your previous pregnancies, the more smoothly you’ll move to the next phase.
Phase 2: Screening and Approval (Weeks 5-12)
Medical Evaluations
The medical screening is thorough—and for good reason. Fertility clinics want to make sure you’re in excellent health before beginning this journey, not because they’re looking for reasons to say no, but because they want to set you up for the best possible experience.
What you can expect:
- Physical exam and lab work: Usually completed in one convenient visit
- Psychological evaluation: Often done via video call (convenient if you’re in rural areas)
- Background checks: Standard for all surrogates, and completely normal
- Partner screening: If you’re married or in a committed relationship
Timeline reality check: Medical screenings typically take 4-6 weeks to complete. We know that can feel like a long time when you’re eager to move forward, but some of that is scheduling (fertility clinics stay busy), and some is waiting for lab results. Try to think of this time as your body getting the all-clear for the amazing thing you’re about to do.
The Psychological Evaluation
Let’s talk about this one honestly—it’s not something to stress about. The psychological evaluation is really just a conversation to make sure you feel emotionally supported and know what to expect on this journey. Most surrogates find it’s actually a helpful conversation that leaves them feeling more confident about their decision.
The evaluation usually takes about an hour and covers topics like:
- Your support system
- How you handle stress
- Your understanding of the surrogacy process
- Your relationship with your own children (if you have them)
Background Checks and References
The state requires background checks for all surrogates, and while it might feel a bit intrusive, it’s actually there to protect and support you. It helps ensure everyone feels confident and secure throughout the process.
This part usually takes 2-3 weeks and includes criminal background checks, reference interviews, and sometimes a friendly home visit. Many surrogates say the home visit is more like having a meaningful conversation with someone who wants to make sure you have a stable, supportive environment.
Here’s something most people get wrong about surrogacy screening: they think it’s designed to exclude people. Actually, it’s designed to set you up for success. While other major life decisions happen with minimal preparation, surrogacy ensures you’re truly ready for what’s ahead.
Phase 3: Finding Your Match (Weeks 8-16)
The Matching Process
This is where your timeline can vary the most, and that’s completely normal. Some surrogates connect with their intended parents within two weeks of being approved. Others might take a few months to find that perfect match—and both experiences are perfectly valid.
What affects your matching timeline:
- Your preferences: The more specific your requirements, the longer matching typically takes (and that’s okay!)
- Time of year: Fall and winter tend to be busier matching seasons
- Location flexibility: Being open to intended parents from Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, or out-of-state can create more opportunities
Meeting Your Intended Parents
Once you’re matched, you’ll typically have a video call or in-person meeting within 1-2 weeks. Many surrogates choose to meet at central locations like Charlotte or the Triangle area, but video calls are increasingly popular (especially helpful if you’re in smaller towns like Boone or Wilmington).
What makes a good match? A good match involves genuine chemistry, shared expectations, and mutual respect. You’ll likely know pretty quickly if this feels right—trust that instinct, because it’s usually spot-on.
Building the Relationship
Successful matches spend 2-4 weeks getting to know each other before moving to contracts. This isn’t wasted time—it’s relationship building that will support you through the entire pregnancy journey.
When you find your match through this process, you’ll have something special: a relationship built on mutual respect, shared goals, and genuine connection. This isn’t just about completing a transaction—it’s about creating bonds that often last long after the baby arrives.
Phase 4: Legal and Medical Preparation (Weeks 16-20)
Contract Negotiations
Surrogacy contracts are detailed documents that protect everyone involved and ensure everyone’s on the same page. The negotiation process typically takes 2-3 weeks, though it can be faster if everyone’s aligned on expectations from the start.
Key contract elements you’ll discuss:
- Compensation structure and payment schedule
- Medical decision-making protocols
- Communication expectations during pregnancy
- Delivery preferences and hospital choices
Legal Reviews and Finalization
Both you and your intended parents will have separate attorneys review the contract. State law requires this independent representation, and it’s another protection for you. Budget about a week for legal reviews and final signatures.
Medical Protocol Setup
Once contracts are signed, the fertility clinic will create your specific medical protocol. This typically happens within 1-2 weeks and includes:
- Medication schedules
- Monitoring appointments
- Transfer date planning
Phase 5: The Medical Process (Weeks 20-24)
Medication and Cycle Preparation
The medical cycle preparation usually takes 3-4 weeks. You’ll start birth control (if you’re not already on it), then transition to fertility medications that gently prepare your body for embryo transfer. It might seem like a lot at first, but the medical process becomes second nature pretty quickly for most women.
What pleasantly surprises many surrogates:
- How manageable the medication routine becomes
- How closely and caringly the clinic monitors your progress
- How exciting it feels to see everything coming together
Embryo Transfer Day
This is it—the day you’ve all been working toward! The actual embryo transfer is surprisingly quick—about 15 minutes—and most women find it’s much easier than they expected. Many fertility clinics encourage intended parents to be present, making it a meaningful moment for everyone involved.
The Two-Week Wait
After transfer, you’ll wait about two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. This period often feels longer than the entire previous six months (seriously, those two weeks can feel eternal), but try to be gentle with yourself during this time—you’ve just done something incredible, regardless of the outcome.
Phase 6: Pregnancy and Beyond (9+ Months)
The Pregnancy Journey
If the transfer is successful, you’re looking at a 9-month pregnancy that will feel both familiar and uniquely special. What’s the difference? You’ll have extra support, regular communication with your intended parents, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you’re helping build a family.
Delivery and Beyond
Many surrogates deliver at hospitals in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, or other major cities where their intended parents can easily be present. After delivery, some surrogates stay in touch with their intended parents for years—and watching “their” baby grow up can be one of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience.
What Could Affect Your Timeline in North Carolina?
Factors That Might Speed Things Up:
- Choosing an experienced local agency: They know how to navigate state requirements efficiently
- Living near major cities: Easier access to fertility clinics and appointments
- Flexible scheduling: Being available for appointments when the clinic has openings
- Complete medical records: Having documentation ready speeds up screenings
Potential Timeline Delays:
- Holiday seasons: Many professionals take time off in December/January
- Medical complications: Any health issues that need addressing before approval
- Scheduling conflicts: Difficulty coordinating appointments around work or family
- Picky matching: Being extremely specific about intended parent preferences
State-Specific Advantages:
- Surrogacy-friendly laws: Clear legal framework reduces delays
- Experienced professionals: Established network of agencies, clinics, and attorneys
- Geographic location: Attracts intended parents from across the Southeast
What if, instead of wondering whether you’re ready for surrogacy, you could feel confident that you’re absolutely prepared for every step? What if you could start this journey knowing exactly what to expect and having the support you need? In our experience advising potential surrogates, working with a reputable agency like American Surrogacy can provide that level of confidence and preparation.
Ready to Start Your Surrogacy Timeline?
So, how long does it take to become a surrogate in North Carolina? For most women, you’re looking at 6-12 months from application to embryo transfer. But what’s really important is this: every day of that timeline is moving you toward one of the most meaningful experiences you’ll ever have.
You’re not just becoming a surrogate—you’re becoming someone’s bridge to parenthood. You’re the person who makes their family dreams a reality. And as experts in this field, we think that’s pretty special.
Ready to start your timeline? Begin your surrogacy application today and take the first step toward helping build a family. From our experience working with surrogates across North Carolina, American Surrogacy consistently provides the kind of support and guidance that makes this journey as smooth as possible.