When the parentage of a child is in question, the emotional stakes are high and the consequences of discovering the truth can be life-changing. Having a paternity test done is the gold standard for getting the answer—but can you do a paternity test at home?

Different types of paternity tests

 There are several ways to test for paternity:

• It can be performed through a court order
• DNA samples can be collected by a doctor and sent to a lab
• You can order a home paternity test kit online or purchase from a store and collect the DNA yourself for a paternity test at home

Reasons for doing a home paternity test

It’s the ideal choice if you’re not going to court: You can choose to test at home if you don’t need results for court—in other words, if you just want to know for your own peace of mind and don’t need a report for legal reasons such as child support, custody, benefits, or inheritance.

It’s inexpensive: Home paternity testing has become extremely affordable since it became available to the public in the last 20 years, and it’s the most cost-effective way to get a science-based answer. Testing through a doctor’s office or ordering a test with court-admissible results can cost up to $400-800! A test for one possible father plus one child from HomePaternity.com starts at just $99.

It’s easy: The process is so simple that anyone can do it. You just purchase the kit, collect DNA samples from the child and possible father using painless cheek swabs, and then mail the samples to the DNA lab. With a test from HomePaternity.com, you have the option of adding the mother to the test for an additional $25. Her participation is recommended since it can strengthen results, but it’s not required.

It’s fast: When you do a paternity test at home, you’re in control of the testing schedule—and not the courts—so you can get results when you want them, on your own terms. When you order from HomePaternity.com, your report is issued just two (2) days once samples are received at our lab, or you have the option to get them in one (1) day, for an additional fee.

It’s accurate: A common misconception is that a home paternity test isn’t as accurate as one ordered through the courts—but that’s just not true! If the exact same DNA samples are submitted for a court test and a home test, you can expect the data and the result’s statement to be exactly the same. Today’s tests are so accurate, that—when a tested man is considered the biological father—the standard probability of paternity is 99.9% or higher.

The bottom line for home paternity testing

Why pay more for services you don’t need? If you want an accurate answer to your paternity question and there’s no legal reason to do a test with court-admissible results, then buying a home paternity test kit from a reputable and experience company is the smart choice.

Still have other questions?

Do you still have other questions about our home paternity test? Then consult our FAQ page for more information.