Are you unsure about what is required to perform a DNA test? At IDTO DNA, we understand the importance of helping our customers remain compliant with DNA testing requirements. Adhering to your state’s guidelines is just as important as the DNA analysis performed by our partner labs.
Below, we will share the details of what is needed to properly perform a DNA test in your state.
What are the requirements for an IDTO DNA test?
Here are the documents that you will need to perform a DNA test based on use case.
What are the requirements for Legal DNA Testing?
Consent and Legal Procedures:
- Valid State ID (Drivers License or Passport) Persons over 18 years of age.
- Child under the age 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Children under the age of 18 should have a state ID or birth certificate.
New York State Guidelines:
According to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines all DNA relationship testing services performed for New York residents are required to acquire one of the following documents below.
- Court Order for child support cases
- Prescription referral from NYS licensed doctor
- A referral letter requesting a DNA Testing be performed from a Family Law Attorney.
The above-mentioned criteria is for the following DNA Testing services.
What are the requirements for a Non-Legal DNA Test (In-Office)
When performing a Non-legal DNA Test the requirements are listed below.
- Valid State ID (Drivers License or Passport) Persons over 18 years of age.
- Child under the age 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Children under the age of 18 should have a state ID or birth certificate.
- This testing option the DNA results cannot be used for any legal purpose.
What are the requirements for an At-Home DNA Test Kit?
The requirements to perform an At-Home DNA Test differs from in-office sample collections.
- No identification is required to submit your DNA samples.
- DNA samples are self-collected
- No third-party collector involvement.
- Customers are responsible for return shipment of your samples.
- DNA results are informational purposes only and cannot be used for any legal reason.
What are the requirements to perform a court-ordered DNA test?
A court-ordered DNA test can only be performed when a judge orders an unmarried alleged father, the child, and the mother to undergo testing to determine paternity. The requirements are as follows:
- Filing a paternity petition with family court, or requesting assistance from Child Services in your state to file a petition.
- Valid state-issued ID (Driver’s License or Passport) for all persons over 18 years of age.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Children under 18 should have a state-issued ID or birth certificate.
- A copy of the court order, if the paternity test is being performed independently of family court.
Important Note: A court-ordered paternity test may be arranged through family court or independently. All independent paternity tests are performed by our partner, an AABB-accredited laboratory. Accreditation ensures your results are accepted by family courts nationwide.
Call 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment today.
What are the requirements for Immigration DNA Testing?
Below are the requirements to perform DNA test for immigration purposes.
- A Request For Evidence (RFE) letter from USCIS, U.S. Embassy/Consulate, or U.S. Passport Agency must be received before genetic testing begins.
- Valid State ID (Drivers License or Passport) Persons over 18 years of age.
- Child under the age 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Children under the age of 18 should have a state ID or birth certificate.
The above-mentioned ID will be required for in-office appointments. Call 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a DNA Test done?
Call 888-204-0583 to speak with one of our DNA consultants and schedule your appointment today. With over 2,500 collection sites nationwide, including all major U.S. cities, we’re ready to serve you wherever you are.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
What type of DNA samples can be used?
The standard samples used are cheek swabs. Blood sample submissions are also a viable specimen option with the same accuracy as cheek swab samples.
Alternative Forensic Samples (At-Home DNA Tests)
Below is a list of forensic DNA samples that can be used when an alleged father or child is unavailable to provide a swab sample.
- Blood Stain (99% accuracy)
- Whole Blood (99% accuracy)
- Hair Follicles (95% accuracy)
- Toothbrush (95% accuracy)
- Earwax (95% accuracy)
- Semen (95% accuracy)
- Gum (95% accuracy) sugar free recommended
How long does legal and non-legal DNA results take?
Standard Turnaround Time: Once the lab receives all DNA samples, results are available within 2 to 3 business days from the date all samples are received by the lab.
Same-Day Testing Option: Available for non-legal DNA tests, allowing you to receive results on the same day the lab receives the samples.
Call 888-204-0583 to learn more about pricing or to schedule an appointment.
What type ID is required for children to perform a paternity test?
For non-legal paternity tests conducted in-office, children are required to present a valid photo identification, such as a passport or a school ID.
For legal paternity tests, children must present government-issued identification, such as a passport or state-issued photo ID. If the child does not have a valid government ID, the parent or legal guardian may need to provide additional documentation (e.g., the child’s birth certificate) along with their own photo identification.
Can a non-custodial parent perform a paternity test?
Yes. A non-custodial parent must obtain consent from the legal guardian or a court order to perform a paternity test. Without the mother’s or legal guardian’s consent, and without a court order, the test results will be considered non-legal and cannot be used in court.
Can a DNA test be performed if I do not have an ID?
Both legal and Non-legal DNA Tests performed in-office require valid identification to be presented at the time of your appointment.
If you do not have identification, an At-Home DNA Test is the best option to determine a biological relationship without the need for ID.
