Grandparent DNA testing, is a genetic test used to determine a biological relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. Grandparent tests are typically performed when an alleged father is unavailable to participate in a DNA paternity test.
This type of test is commonly used for the following reasons.
- Paternity establishment
- Peace of mind
- Immigrant visa evidence submission
- Social Security Benefits
- Adding a name to a birth certificate
Please note, we recommend involving the mother if available. The mother’s involvement with the grandparent DNA testing process increase the accuracy of the analysis of a paternal DNA grandparent test
What are the cost comparisons for different types of Grandparent DNA testing?
Below is a list of IDTO DNA Grandparent testing services 2026 comparison guide.
| DNA Testing Type | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| At-Home Grandparent DNA Test Collection Kit Cheek mouth swab samples (only) | Starts at $299.99 | Peace of mind and cost-effective. Samples can be collected at home.Free return FedEx prepaid envelope shipping included. | Cannot be used for legal court admissible purposes. |
| At-Home Grandparent Test Kit w/Toothbrush 1 cheek mouth swab and 1 Forensic toothbrush sample | Starts at $399.99 | Peace of mind and cost-effective. Samples can be collected at home.Free return FedEx prepaid envelope shipping included | Cannot be used for legal purposes.Customer is responsible for proper storage of toothbrush sample. |
| At-Home Grandparent DNA Test Kit w/Hair 10 Forensic Hair follicle samples and 1 cheek swab samples | Starts at $399.99 | Peace of mind and cost-effective. Samples can be collected at home.Free return FedEx prepaid envelope shipping included. | Cannot be used for legal purposes.Customer is responsible for proper storage of hair sample. |
| At-Home DNA Grandparentage Test Kit w/Earwax 1 Earwax sample and 1 cheek swab samples | Starts at $399.99 | Peace of mind and cost-effective. Samples can be collected at home.Free return FedEx prepaid envelope shipping included. | Cannot be used for legal purposes.Customer is responsible for proper storage of earwax sample. |
| Non-Legal Grandparentage DNA Test 2 people (In-Office) | Starts at $425.00 | Peace of mind and cost-effective. Samples are collected by trained DNA sample collector. | Cannot be used for legal purposes. |
| Legal Grandparentage DNA Test 2 people (In-Office) | Starts at $499.99 | Can be used for any legal purposes. Common uses are:1. Adding father to a birth certificate.2. Social Security Benefits3. Estate casesSamples tested and analyzed by a partner AABB accredited lab | New York residents must acquire one of the following documents.1. Doctors prescription2. Letter from a NYS licensed attorney.3. Court order |
| Immigration Grandparents DNA Test | Starts at $650.00 | Results are accepted by USCIS, U.S. Embassies and Passport Agencies.Samples tested and analyzed by a partner AABB accredited lab. | Longer sample collections wait times for international cases by embassies and consulates. |
Are DNA sample collections included in my DNA Grandparent test?
No. DNA Sample collection fees are not included in the cost for in-office legal and non-legal DNA testing.
Can Forensic DNA samples be collected in office?
What is the best DNA Sample collection method swab or blood?
Cheek swabs are the industry standard method of DNA specimen collection. Although, blood is a viable specimen collection method, both methods have the same accuracy of 99% when collected and stored correctly.
The difference between cheek buccal swab and blood samples are blood is invasive, painful and expensive.
Looking to perform a sibling DNA test? Contact our office at 888-204-0583 to schedule an in-office appointment or order a grandparents DNA test kits online here.
Can all paternity testing result options be used for legal purposes?
No. Only Grandparentage DNA testing options can be used for legal purposes`are legal tests that require the establishment of a chain of custody which includes third party collectors and the samples will be tested by a partner AABB accredited laboratory.
At Home and Non-legal grandparentage tests do not meet the criteria for DNA results to legally admissible.
