Surrogate background checks are a standard part of the screening process, typically completed before matching with intended parents. Agencies review your criminal history and child abuse and neglect records, along with those of your spouse or partner.

If you have an old charge or something on your record you’re worried about, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t become a surrogate. Agencies consider the circumstances of your history when determining whether you meet their screening requirements.

Connect with a surrogacy professional to discuss your eligibility, learn what background checks involve and find an agency that prioritizes thorough screening before matching.

What Does a Surrogate Background Check Include?

Surrogacy agencies review several types of records to identify potential safety concerns before matching you with intended parents. These checks typically cover your criminal history, child welfare records and other relevant background information. Most surrogate background checks include:

• Criminal History: A review of criminal records for felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges and other relevant offenses.
• Sex Offender Registries: Searches of state and national registries for registered sex offenders.
• Child Abuse and Neglect Records: Checks of available state child welfare registries for findings involving child abuse or neglect.
• Driving Records: Some agencies review driving histories for DUIs, reckless driving or serious traffic violations.
• Financial Stability: Some agencies assess financial stability or review relevant public records to identify potential financial concerns.

Background check requirements vary by agency and state. While these screenings help identify potential concerns, a finding on your record doesn’t always mean you’ll be disqualified from becoming a surrogate.

Why Surrogacy Agencies Require Background Checks

Surrogacy agencies require background checks to help protect the surrogate, intended parents and future child. These screenings identify potential safety concerns and help agencies assess whether a surrogate has a safe, stable home environment before matching and legal contracts.

A supportive household is especially important during surrogacy, as pregnancy involves physical and emotional demands. Reviewing background information helps agencies identify potential risks that could affect your well-being or the surrogacy journey.

Background checks are a standard part of the surrogate screening process, not a judgment of your character or past mistakes. Their purpose is to help everyone involved move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Does Your Spouse or Partner Need a Background Check Too?

Yes, most surrogacy agencies require your spouse or partner to complete a background check as part of the screening process. Some agencies also screen other adults living in your household, such as adult children or relatives.

These checks help agencies assess your home environment and identify potential safety concerns. Since your partner and other household members may play an important role in supporting you throughout pregnancy, their backgrounds are also considered. Your spouse or partner will typically need to provide:

• Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth and any previous names.
• Identification: A Social Security number or other identifying information required by the screening provider.
• Address History: Previous addresses for the period requested by the agency.
• Written Consent: Authorization for criminal background checks and applicable child abuse and neglect registry searches.

These screenings aren’t intended to scrutinize your partner’s personal life or minor past mistakes. They’re a standard safety measure to help ensure you have a secure, supportive home environment throughout your surrogacy journey.

What Can Disqualify You From Being a Surrogate?

Certain criminal records or background check findings can disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. While requirements vary by agency, serious offenses involving violence, child safety or substance abuse are among the most common concerns. Background checks may identify:

• Felony Convictions: Certain felony offenses, particularly those involving violence or serious safety concerns.
• Violent Crimes: Convictions involving assault, domestic violence or other violent offenses.
• Crimes Involving Children: Findings related to child abuse, neglect or endangerment.
• Sex Offender Registration: Inclusion on a state or national sex offender registry.
• Drug-Related Offenses: Recent convictions involving drug possession, distribution or other substance-related crimes.
• Unresolved Legal Issues: Active warrants, pending criminal charges or probation that may affect eligibility.

Agencies consider the type of offense, how long ago it occurred and whether the case has been resolved. Some findings may result in disqualification, while others are reviewed individually based on the agency’s screening standards.

Can You Be a Surrogate With a Misdemeanor or Old Charge?

Yes, you may still qualify to become a surrogate with an old misdemeanor or minor criminal charge. Agencies often review these situations individually, considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred and whether all legal requirements have been completed.

An older, nonviolent offense that has been fully resolved may not prevent you from qualifying, especially if you’ve had no further legal issues.

Being upfront about your history is important. Disclosing past charges on your initial application allows the agency to evaluate your eligibility early. Failing to disclose an offense, even a minor one, could raise concerns about your honesty and affect your chances of approval.

Can You Be a Surrogate With a Past CPS Case?

You may still qualify to become a surrogate if you’ve had a past Child Protective Services (CPS) case, depending on the circumstances and outcome of the investigation. Surrogacy agencies carefully review child welfare history to identify potential safety concerns. How a past case affects your eligibility often depends on its findings:

• Substantiated Findings: Confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect can lead to disqualification, particularly when serious safety concerns are involved.
• Unsubstantiated or Dismissed Reports: If an investigation was closed without confirming abuse or neglect, you may still qualify, depending on the agency’s requirements.

It’s essential to disclose any past CPS involvement early in the application process, even if the case was dismissed. Providing documentation of the outcome can help the agency review your history and determine whether you’re eligible to move forward.

Can You Be a Surrogate With a DUI?

You may still qualify to become a surrogate with a DUI on your record, depending on when it occurred, whether it was an isolated incident and your history since the offense.

Surrogacy agencies take DUI convictions seriously because they can raise concerns about substance use, judgment and overall stability. How a DUI affects your eligibility often depends on the circumstances:

• A Single, Older DUI: An isolated offense from several years ago may not disqualify you, especially if you’ve completed all court requirements and haven’t had further legal issues.
• A Recent DUI: A more recent conviction may make it harder to qualify, as agencies generally look for a demonstrated period of stability.
• Multiple DUIs: Repeated offenses raise greater concerns about substance use and may result in disqualification.

Agencies evaluate DUI histories according to their own screening requirements, so it’s important to disclose any past offenses early in the application process.

Are Intended Parents Background Checked Before Matching?

Yes, many surrogacy agencies conduct background checks on intended parents before matching. These screenings may include criminal history and child welfare records to help identify potential safety concerns.

Just as intended parents want to feel confident in their surrogate, you deserve to feel safe and comfortable with the family you’re helping. Through mutual matching, you can review intended parent profiles, ask questions and decide whether you want to move forward with a particular family.

When comparing agencies, ask how they screen intended parents and whether those checks are completed before matching. Knowing that both sides have been screened can help you enter the surrogacy journey with greater confidence.

What to Look for in an Agency’s Screening Process

Not every surrogacy agency handles screening the same way. Choosing one with clear requirements and a thorough screening process can help protect your time, safety and peace of mind. When comparing agencies, look for these key qualities:

• Pre-Screening Before Matching: Agencies should complete initial background checks and medical record reviews before matching you with intended parents. This reduces the risk of discovering eligibility issues after you’ve formed a connection with a family.
• Clear Eligibility Requirements: An agency should explain its disqualifying criteria upfront so you know whether you’re likely to qualify before investing time in the process.
• Covered Screening Costs: Background checks, medical reviews and other required screening expenses should be covered by the agency or intended parents.
• Intended Parent Screening: Agencies should also screen intended parents to help ensure you’re entering a safe, well-supported match.
• Mutual Matching: You should have the opportunity to review intended parent profiles, ask questions and decide whether you’re comfortable moving forward with a family.

An agency that prioritizes thorough screening and transparency can help you avoid unnecessary delays and feel more confident about your surrogacy journey.

Talk to a Surrogacy Professional About Finding the Right Agency

A past offense or concern about your background shouldn’t leave you guessing about your eligibility. Speaking with a surrogacy professional can help you understand your options before investing time in an application.

Connect with a surrogacy professional to get answers to your background check questions, learn how screening requirements differ between agencies and find a program that offers the guidance and support you need to move forward.