Do You Need A DNA Test For A Birth Certificate?
Do you need a DNA test for a birth certificate?
DNA Testing is not required for a child’s birth certificate to be issued. However, a legal paternity test can help establish or disestablish paternity. DNA results are often used when unmarried couples are uncertain about who is the biological father.
We recommend contacting your state’s Vital Records Birth Certificate Department to confirm their protocols for accepting DNA Testing evidence.
Can you get a DNA test after signing a birth certificate?
Yes. A legal paternity test can be performed even after a birth certificate has been issued.
How much does a legal paternity test cost to add a name to a birth certificate?
Testing costs start at $350.00 when the purpose is to add a father’s name to a child’s birth certificate. Please note, DNA sample collection fees are not included.
Sample collection appointments can be scheduled in different cities if parents live in separate locations.
Where can I get a legal paternity test for birth certificate?
Getting started is simple. Call 888-970-4211 to schedule an appointment near you. We provide access to over 2,500 collection sites nationwide, including:
How to add a father’s name to a child’s birth certificate?
Adding a father’s name to a child’s birth certificate applies to unmarried men only. Married men are automatically presumed to be legal father of the child and his name will be added to the birth certificate.
Below are the ways an alleged father’s name can be added to a birth certificate.
- Signing a paternity acknowledgement form at the hospital or state agency.
- Filing a paternity petition with family court. This option occurs when the mother or alleged father does not agree on the paternity of the child. Once at the hearing a judge may request paternity testing be performed.
We recommend that you consult with a family law attorney in your state regarding paternity establishment guidelines before starting the process
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Frequently Asked Questions
What method of sample collection is used?
Cheek swabs are the industry standard. A cheek swab is gently rubbed inside the left and right cheeks for at least 30 seconds. Blood samples may also be collected, though they are more invasive and no more accurate than cheek swabs.
Are alternative samples accepted?
Yes, when cheek swabs are not possible. Hair follicles and other forensic samples may be used, but usually only for informational purposes unless instructed by a court order.
How long do results take for birth certificate testing?
Results are available in 2–3 business days after the lab receives all samples. Copies are mailed to your home and emailed to you. If a judge or magistrate requests results, they can be sent directly to their office to maintain legal chain of custody.
Is DNA testing accurate for legal birth certificate use?
Yes. Paternity test accuracy is 99.99% or higher. Testing is performed by our AABB-accredited partner laboratory, ensuring results are accepted by courts and state agencies nationwide.
Are my results kept private?
Yes. All specimens and results are confidential. Samples are securely stored for three months before being destroyed. Results are released only to participants, or to a third party by court order or written consent.
How does a DNA Test for child support add a father’s name to a birth certificate?
If DNA Testing confirms paternity during a child support case, the court will issue an order to Vital Records instructing them to add the father’s name to the birth certificate.
What are the common reasons for a paternity test?
- Adding a father’s name to a child’s birth certificate
- Social Security benefits
- Inheritance claims
- Immigration cases
- Child support
Call 888-970-4211 to schedule your DNA paternity test appointment today.
Can a paternity test be performed to add a father’s name to birth certificate in another country?
Yes. A legal paternity test result can be used in other countries to help determine a biological relationship between father and child.
Each country may have rules for evidence submission that varies from the United States. We recommend that you speak with the country abroad’s version of Vital Records, family court judge or state agency to confirm how they would like to receive your results.
What to Expect from Our Service
Secure DNA provides fast, accurate and reliable results that are trusted by legal and medical professionals. Our process gives you peace of mind, knowing your DNA Testing meets your state’s guidelines.
We also recognize that paternity establishment is more than a legal requirement it is a crucial part of a child’s emotional development and self-understanding. This is why all DNA Testing services we provide are under the strict supervision of our partner AABB accredited laboratory.
Paternal Services:
Home Paternity Test
Legal Paternity Test
Prenatal Paternity Test
Parentage DNA Testing
DNA Testing Services:
Sibling DNA Test
Grandparent DNA Test
Avuncular DNA Test
Maternity DNA Test
Forensic DNA Services:
Infidelity DNA Test
DNA Testing w/Hair
DNA Testing w/Toothbrush