What is Paternity Testing for the Military?
The military does not provide paternity testing services directly for military members. Paternity testing is a DNA analysis that determines if an alleged father is biologically related to a child.
Military staff in need of paternity testing services must seek a DNA testing company, such as IDTO, to assist with scheduling an appointment. It is important to note that some at-home DNA test kits are prohibited for military use due to security concerns.
Legal paternity tests from AABB accredited laboratories, like IDTO’s partner laboratory, are still permitted. We provide court-admissible DNA results that follow strict chain-of-custody protocols adhering to AABB legal evidence submission guidelines.
Here is a brief overview of military regulations on paternity:
- Army: AR 608-99 prohibits commanding officers from ordering DNA tests. Testing requires a court order.
- Air Force: AFI 36-2906 states commanders cannot make determinations about paternity.
- Marines: MCO P5800.16A requires a court order for paternity testing.
- Navy: Milsperson 1754-030 states that paternity is a civilian legal matter.
Military members may have to provide child support if there is a court order or acknowledgment of paternity. Benefits, such as ID cards, can be granted with proof of paternity.
Does the military pay for paternity testing?
No. The military does not pay for paternity DNA testing to establish the biological relationship between an alleged father and child.
When DNA testing is needed for legal purposes, contact IDTO at 888-204-0583 to schedule a legal paternity test. Legal paternity test results can be used as evidence to establish paternity in family court or when adding a father’s name to a child’s birth certificate.
Does Tricare provide paternity testing services?
No. TRICARE does not consider paternity testing or other DNA relationship testing to be medically necessary. Paternity DNA testing is considered a personal or legal matter rather than a medical service.
Does Veteran Affairs Cover Paternity Testing?
No. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not provide or cover paternity DNA testing. Paternity testing is used to establish a biological relationship and is considered a personal or legal matter rather than a medical service.
How much does a military paternity test cost?
Legal paternity testing costs start at $350.00. Please note, sample collection fees may not included in the cost of your DNA test.
Where can I go to get a Military paternity testing appointment?
Call 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment today. Please note, appointments can be scheduled if parties reside in different states at one of the over 3000 plus collections sites in our network nationwide. Below are the areas we serve.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What method of collection will be used to collect my DNA samples?
The standard method of collection is performed by cheek swabs. Blood sample collection is a viable method with similar accuracy as cheek swabs; however, it is more invasive and painful.
Can the military force personnel to perform a DNA test?
No. As we currently understand it, the military can not force an alleged father or mother of a child to perform a DNA test without a court order.
Which DNA tests does the military strongly warns against?
Ancestry DNA testing companies, such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA, were deemed security risks for military personnel in 2020. These companies are considered unregulated, raising concerns about exploitation.
DNA relationship testing services performed by an AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) lab are recognized by immigration offices and family courts nationwide. Military personnel can perform a paternity test.
For more information about our legal and home paternity testing process, contact IDTO at 888-204-0583.
