Whether you want to use your paternity test results in court or just for your own personal information, the laboratory uses the same high standards in DNA testing and produces exactly the same results. So, what’s the difference? It’s the way the samples are collected.
For court-admissible (legal) testing, IDENTIGENE arranges DNA sample collection appointments where each person being tested provides a copy of their ID (a driver’s license or passport). The collector makes sure each person’s samples are attached to the correct ID, and then sends the samples directly to the lab. This chain-of-custody process provides both proof of identity and proof of paternity to the court.
Simply call IDENTIGENE to arrange your collection appointment (additional fees may apply).
NEW YORK RESIDENTS: The collection process in New York State requires a witnessed collection on every test. Our DNA Paternity Test Kit for New York Residents already includes everything you need to complete your court-admissible test.
How to Get a Legal Paternity Test (Court-Admissible)
1. Call IDENTIGENE
Call us to find a collection site near you. Please allow up to 24 hours to schedule your collection appointment and ship materials to the collection site. In order to maintain chain of custody, we must mail a kit directly to the collection site. If you’ve already purchased a home kit, no problem! We’ll credit your account.
2. Visit the Collection Site
Bring your photo ID (driver’s license or passport) or recent photograph to the collection site. Collect DNA samples at the appointment. The Collector sends your samples and chain-of-custody paperwork directly to IDENTIGENE.3. Access Results Online
Access your results online just two (2) business days after the samples arrive at the laboratory. If you want results even faster, 1-day or same-day results are available for an additional fee. Don’t worry: Once your results are ready, you’ll get an email notification from us. A hard copy of the test results can also be sent to you, your attorney, a court officer or social worker by request.
Remember: Whether you’re testing for peace of mind, or need your results for court, the testing method at the lab is the exact same! The only difference in the two is the collection method.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
Manuel Gomez says
Hello I need help.
I need a copy of my DNA Test results for case #T584325. Are you able to e-mail them to the following e-mail address (sonia.reyes1@yahoo.com)? And you please replay to this message to the same e-mail address? or you can contact Sonia Reyes @ 316-992-3109.
Thank you in advance.
Identigene says
Hi Manuel,
Thank you for your patience! We are unable to email or make any outbound calls regarding results. You are welcome to call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET and request a copy of your results through our client support. You can also log on at dnatesting.com with your username and password and print a copy of your results at any time. We thank you for your comment!
A says
how much does the court admissible testing cost?
Meisha says
Good afternoon,
The cost for the legal DNA paternity test starts at $244, but is really determined by a few factors: how many participants, shipping, etc. A DNA consultant would be happy to provide you with a more detailed price if you can call us at 888-404-4363. We look forward to hearing from you.
mercede says
If I do a home DNA test can I use for child support?
Meisha says
Hello Mercede,
Legal DNA testing requires that all parties go to a designated collection facility so that a Chain of Custody can be established. Chain of Custody is the process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the samples (who has control of the samples at what time). At the collection facility, you will be asked to sign consent papers, designate an address where you want the results sent, and provide personal information such as photo identification. This process prevents anyone from being able to provide incorrect samples.
Personal DNA testing is not legally admissible in court, because the DNA samples are collected in the privacy of your own home. There is no way to confirm whom the samples were collected from.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
mercede says
Thank you…I bought a Home DNA test kits and I wanted to swab two different men how would that work
Meisha says
Good afternoon Mercede,
Yes, you can test two alleged fathers and one child with one paternity test kit. Since the lab fee is $89 for one test, your total for both tests for the lab fee will be $178. If the biological mother of the child is going to participate then you will need to purchase two kits, and you can send in all four participants samples and information together to have both tests under one case. Otherwise, you can send them separate for two cases.
I hope this information helps. If you have any other questions or concerns, or to assist in your testing needs, please call us at 888-404-4363.
Dorothy Brooks says
I called a few weeks ago and I was given the price of 9 and I’m reading the info and the price is higher. Is there an additional fee for the Dr visit to collect samples and since the daughter is 14 and has no ID so does she have to have ID,
Please reply soon.
Thank you
Identigene says
Hi, Dorothy. Additional collection fees may apply if you live in New York or if you are having testing performed in other states for legal or immigration reasons. For paternity tests for personal use, the fee is $89+the price of the kit.
Richard B. Minor says
WhaT types of non picture Id are acceptable for proof of identification?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Richard. You must have a photo ID of some kind for legal testing.
mahogany clark says
Hey I was wondering if I want a copy of my DNA testing results mail to me how do I go by getting them mail to me
IDENTIGENE says
Hi! Just call us at 888-404-4363 and we can send you out a hard copy.
Kayla says
The Dna test box I have says the lab fee is 129 or 120 do I have to go buy another box or can I send in the box I have with the $89 lab fee?
IDENTIGENE says
The kit you bought is fine. You only need to pay the $89 lab fee for a paternity test.
Dorevakinlaw says
Hello my son wants to take a test with his daughter but also wants to use it for court if need be, he lives in Bronx New York what would his fees total
IDENTIGENE says
Hi! This article tells you how testing works in NY. As for cost, it’s $24.99 for the kit, $89 for the test, and then $30-50 per participant for the collector’s fee. A collector is necessary to witness the test both for legal purposes and per New York State regulations. http://dnatesting.com/dna-paternity-testing-in-new-york/
Starr says
Hi,
since the kit has to test up to 3 people (father, mother, child ) are they all considered to be 1 test……..
so each lab test cost $89.00, are the 3 people considered 1 lab test or is it 3 X $89.00 for each person??
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Starr! The $89 lab fee includes one possible father, one child, and the mother. The mother’s participation is optional, but we recommend she submit her samples too, just in case they’re needed.
Veronica says
Hello,
If I (biological mother) already did a DNA paternity test with identigene and received results as positive can I upgrade to get the legal court admissible for child support if I pay the difference?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Veronica! For court-admissible results, samples have to be taken all over again in the presence of a witness, so you can’t “upgrade” an existing test once you submit samples. Does this make sense, I hope? To discuss your options, feel free to give us a call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time).
tori says
What if the father is in another state, and we need one for court?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Tori. We make all arrangements for court-admissible testing, including if participants live in separate states. Please give us a call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern).
Ashley says
I need to prove that a man is not the father of my children in a divorce case. I have 2 children that need to be tested. Can I only purchase one test or will I need two?
Admin says
Hi, Ashley. An at-home paternity test is not an option for you. Since you’re using results for court, a chain of custody for samples must be established. This means that all aspects of the test, from DNA collection to mailing, must be supervised by a court-approved witness. Since you need to test two children, the lab fee would be $89 x 2 ($178) + a $30 per participant fee for the witnessing services. We’ll be happy to arrange everything for you, including a witnessed test in your area. Just give one of our experts a call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern).
Micheal says
I took a dna test at home came out not my kid if I go to court records the test going be the same results as a home DNA test
Admin says
Hi, Michael! The testing process itself is exactly the same for a legal test as it is for a home test. The only difference is that, for a legal test, the DNA collections and submissions are supervised and witnessed by a disinterested third party. This is done to ensure that everyone being tested is who they say they are and that the DNA being submitted is indeed theirs. That way, the court can be sure no fraud has occurred. If all DNA samples submitted for the court test are from the exact same people who submitted theirs for the home test, then the results should be exactly the same, yes.
Bobbie Rippe says
Hello I was wondering what my total cost will be to get an court admissible testing in Florida I am ready bought my test and I was also wondering if I could just get my own witness and get it notarized could it hold up in court?
Admin says
Hi, Bobbie! In order for results to be court-admissible, there is a strict chain of custody for samples that must be followed to ensure no fraud takes place. The lab fee for one child + one possible father + the mother (her participation is recommended, but optional) is $89. Then there is an additional $40-per-participant fee for the witnessed collection. Since you already bought your kit, just give us a call and we’ll make all the arrangements for you to have a collection done where you live. We’ll credit you for the kit you bought and send all-new materials to safeguard the chain of custody. the number is 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time).
D. Goss says
How would I go about getting a DNA test done when the child resides in St Louis and I in Texas? Also what would be the cost? I need a paternity test to attach to a pending divorce case.
Admin says
Hi, D. Seeing as you are needed paternity-test results for court, you need to call us to arrange for witnessed DNA collection for you in Texas as well as for the child in the other state. We take care of the details for you and send cheek swabs to both places to facilitate collection. There is an $89 lab fee to test one child + one possible father + the mother (her participation is option, but recommended). Then there is an additional $40 per participant fee for collection services. Please give us a call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern) to arrange your test. Thanks!
Sharon Padgett says
Will your test work for my daughter. The father of her son passed away before the baby was born. The fathers family want to help my daughter. They need DNA testing to determine that this guy is the father so the baby can draw a check on his father. Social Security told us they did not know how to go about getting the test done….Please help….
Admin says
Hi, Sharon. I’m so sorry about your son-in-law. When the father is deceased, we instead test the child, the mother, and one or both paternal grandparents in order to establish paternity. The testing costs more because it involves more extensive analysis ($399 when one paternal grandparent participates/$350 when both paternal grandparents participate). In order for the results to be court-admissible (which is required when applying for government death benefits such as Social Security), the DNA collection and submission for testing must be witnessed by a disinterested third-party (an approved DNA Sample Collector). There is an additional charge of $40 per participant for this witnessing service. All you have to do is call us directly at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time), and one of our representatives will arrange the test for you and schedule an appointment for DNA collection with a witness in your area. I wish you and your family all the best.
kacey g says
Is there no help for low cost tests? Im a mother of 2. Girls my oldest 1 1/2 year old . Her dad had a freak accident and we never est paternity between him and another man since funeral the pictures showed very identical features betweenb them no one spoke up till after. Ive been doing this alone and im trying hard to find out how to not get stuck with a giant bill. When
Identigene says
Hi, Kacey. The Identigene retail brand does not offer discounted rates or payment plans. If you test directly through our parent company, DDC, there are payment plans available. Give us a call at 800-681-7162
Donna says
Hi, I am thinking of ordering a couple of your kits, however this isn’t for a court case. My “father” is ill in the hospital in Florida with early dementia. I am 51 years old and live in WA. I recently had a DNA test done through Ancestry.com and the results did not match what my “father” had told me over the years. His great grandmother is full blooded Cherokee Indian yet the test revealed there was zero Indian in my DNA. There has always been question if he was actually my biological parent. My mother is deceased so I am unable to ask her. Does the test have to be done in front of someone? Can’t we just do it ourselves, send it in and get the results? He is too ill to go somewhere to be monitored. Thanks
Admin says
Hi, Donna. Yes, you can just do it yourselves if results are for your own peace of mind/information and not for legal reasons. Since you and your father live in different states, give us a call at 888-404-4363 and we’ll be happy to help you.
Rigo Gomez says
I took a home dna test for me and my son hes 9 yrs old. His first 3-4 years I was In prison. During that time mother began gossiping and hanging out with the mother of the possible father she was claiming he is my son’s kid. Mother has a child support case against and has cps involved now. I wanna know if the test comes back that he’s not my son I been deceived this whole time and now she wants my right taken from me!! That being said if he’s not mine what happens next? What do I do??
Admin says
Hi, Rigo. What a rough situation! Unfortunately we are a testing service and not a legal service. I highly recommend that you contact a family-law attorney, and I wish you all the best.
OCTAVIA says
So what will be the total cost for legal test in st.louis? If me and my son go then the alleged father goes on his own time? Where are the st.louis locations?
Identigene says
Hi, Octavia. The cost for legal testing starts at $295. Please give us a call to arrange for a DNA collection appointment in your area and to figure out payment for both you and the possible father. 888-404-4363 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time).
Jay says
Hello, would the results from the kit that you send in and the kit where you have to give the samples in person and can be used in a court of law have the same results?
Identigene says
Hi, Jay. The process for testing samples is exactly the same for an at-home test as it is for a court-admissible test. The main difference is in how DNA is collected. For an at-home test, participants are responsible for swabbing their cheeks and sending samples to the lab. In court-admissible testing, the collection and mailing processes are supervised by a disinterested, approved witness who checks IDs and verifies all participants are who they say they are. If all participants are exactly the same for an at-home test as for a court-admissible test, then the results will also be exactly the same.
ANN DEE STAUFFER says
A male friend wants to have court-admissible test results for his alleged two children. My understanding is he needs TWO kits, Photo IDs for himself, Kid No. 1, Kid No. 2 and wife. For court-admissible tests, the collection and mailing processes must be supervised by a disinterested, approved witness who checks IDs and verifies all participants are who they say they are (according to your replies to FAQs). What’s the TOTAL cost for 2 kits, lab fees, shipping charges, and fees charged per participant for the witnessing service,etc. in UTAH?
Identigene says
Hi, Ann. Please have your friend contact us directly at 800-344-9583 to set up a legal test and to get his questions about pricing answered. Thanks!
Tania says
If the alleged father is locked up in also the person u want to get tested is locked up as well but the mother not do I have to wait until they both is released from prison or can I get it done while they both are locked up?
Identigene says
Hi, Tania. Whether or not they can test while incarcerated depends on the rules of each one’s prison/jail. You’d have to call and ask them. We can send testing materials to detention facilities, if necessary.
Ashley kerr says
I purchased a DNA test kit for my daughter and now husband, we paid for it and sent it off but apparently we didn’t pay for the court one to have her name changed. How do I go about fixing this?
Identigene says
Hi, Ashley. You’ll need to test again because courts do not accept results from paternity tests where the DNA samples are collected at home. In order for results to be court-admissible, the kit has to be sent from us directly to the facility where the DNA collection will be witnessed. Please give us a call at 800-344-9583 and we’ll be happy to make all arrangements for you.
Mark says
I am in need of a paternal DNA test for a child born and living in the Philippines. It is my understanding that the American embassy in Manila requires an official DNA test be done in support of a birth abroad in order to issue U.S. citizenship. Do you provide such service for the Philippines, and how much does it cost?
Thank you.
Identigene says
Hi, Mark. I suggest you contact our parent company, DDC, which handles thousands of immigration cases. They can walk you through the process and explain how it works from start to finish. As for pricing, it varies by country and number of participants, which is info they can also provide you. That number is 800-681-7162.
Amy says
My husband is needing to get court admissable paternity testing done. We live in the state of Texas. This is for my husband and his son. The mother is deceased so it will only be my husband and his son getting tested. Can you please tell me the total fees for the test and lab fees? Also, how long does it take to get the results? Thanks
Identigene says
Hi, Amy. The cost starts at $295 for court-admissible results. Once samples are received here at our lab, the report is posted in one (1) business day. Please contact Identigene’s parent company, DDC, directly to set up the test: 800-681-7162.
Amanda says
We bought a test 2 yrs ago nd never opened the box. In the box it says $89. Is out still 89 or did the cost go up?
Identigene says
Hi, Amanda. You can still use your kit. Yes, the lab fee has gone up to $119, but you get one-day results (once samples arrive at the lab) instead of two-day. We will, of course, honor the $89 lab fee on your kit, but you need to call us and pay by phone to get that price and you’ll get two-day results. Please call 800-344-9583 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern time).
Jeffrey says
What would be the DNA collectors fee in Texas so I can use the results in court?
Identigene says
Hi, Jeffrey. It’s usually about $40 per participant, though that price varies. To get an exact fee and to set up your test for legal purposes, you must call us directly. We must be the ones to send testing materials to the collection center…you can’t bring in your own kit. Our number is 800-344-9583 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern).
Noel says
Hi, I would like to have a paternity test done on my potential father, (just for peace of mind,) but I would like to make sure the man in question is the person who actually takes the test. I understand that I can pay an additional fee to have someone witness the test, but would I personally, also need a witness for my end of the test? Or would I do mine at home? To aid in the accuracy of the results, I would also like my mother tested. Would she need a witness as well? My father lives in another state, do you charge extra for shipping to multiple locations? And how much extra do you charge for shipping the test to a witnessed collection site? Thank you so much.
Identigene says
Hi, Noel. I think it’s just simplest if you call us at 800-344-9583, and our customer service specialists can arrange everything in the easiest and most cost-effective way possible for you. Thanks!
Don says
Hi, will I be able to buy a home test in store at a retailer? If so, how much would it be? I want to conduct a DNA test for a piece of mind because an old boyfriend is sending threats about him being the father of my son despite him not actually being the father. Thank you.
Identigene says
Hi, Don. Yes, you can buy our test at Walmart, CVS, RiteAid, or Walgreens. Kits cost $24.99, and then when you actually do the test, there’s an additional lab fee of $139.
John says
I need a legal paternity test preformed. The mother will not sign the consent but has signed a power of attorney form for me. Can that be used as consent? The mother also lives in another state.
Identigene says
Hi, John. Seeing as you have POA, it should be OK, but it would be advisable to check with a family-law attorney in your state.
Karen says
Can I receive the results before our court hearing?
Identigene says
Hi, Karen. That’s entirely up to the court.
Mogan says
I am needing a court admissible DNA test done on a newborn baby for one father only. What is the process and cost if the collection is needed in the hospital? To insure the chain of custody, will a member of your company come to the hospital to perform the test? How long does it take to get the results back and are these results 100% court admissible? (I don’t want to pay for this test, and then say it’s not the “right” test and have to go to another company to get a court admissible test.) Is there anything else I need to know?Thank you, sorry for all the questions.
Identigene says
Hi, Mogan. The only way to have the test be court-admissible is if we send the materials for testing directly to the hospital, along with all the appropriate paperwork. Please call us for all other details and/or to arrange for testing: 800-344-9583.
LYNN says
If doing a DNA for court purposes, does the mother have to be tested as well? Also will the potential father get a copy of the results as well?
Identigene says
Hi, Lynn. The mother doesn’t have to be tested too, although it’s a good idea in the rare event her DNA ends up being needed to confirm results. As a participant in the test, the alleged father has the right to see results, yes.
Emanuel says
I was informed by the mother that I may be the father of a child who resides with the mother in another country. I would like to do the at home test. How would I have her send me a sample so I can send to the lab? Will she need to sign something? I need to get all the info so I can let her know. This is strictly for peace of mind nothing more.
Thank you,
Emanuel
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Emanuel. The simplest thing to do is to call our parent company DDC directly and we can send DNA-collection materials both to you and to the mother in the other country: 800-681-7162.
Kellie says
My son is getting divorced and would like to get a paternity test done before he signs any papers. How does he go about doing that if the baby is in another state ? Also, how much will it be for him to get it done ?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kellie. He just needs to call us directly and we can arrange for legal, witnessed testing both for him and for the baby in the other state. The number is 800-681-7162. Pricing depends on where everyone lives and how fast he needs the results.