How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost?

A paternity test determines the biological relationship between a child and a presumed father. The cost of a paternity test depends on several factors, including the type of test, its purpose (personal or legal), and the provider. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs, types of paternity tests, and where to get one.

Average Cost of a Paternity Test

The cost of a paternity test varies depending on whether it’s for personal information, legal use, or prenatal testing. Below is a general price breakdown:

Types of Paternity Tests and Associated Costs

1. At-Home DNA Test Kit
   • At-home paternity test kits are the most affordable, costing about $130 to $200. These kits are widely available online, and you can collect samples at home using cheek swabs. Please note these are for personal knowledge only and cannot be used for legal purposes.
   • For more information on at-home tests, you can check companies like 23andMe and HomeDNA.
2. Legal Paternity Test
   • Legal paternity tests, which are admissible in court, require a chain of custody and must be done in an authorized setting. The cost for a legal paternity test ranges from $300 to $500. You can get a legally binding paternity test through accredited labs.
   • Providers like Labcorp and DNA Diagnostics Center offer legal paternity tests with certified results that meet court requirements.
3. Prenatal Paternity Test
   • Non-invasive prenatal paternity tests are available if you need to establish paternity before the child is born. These tests cost between $1,000 and $2,000 and involve a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the potential father. Prenatal paternity testing is only available through specialty labs.
   • The DNA Diagnostics Center provides prenatal testing with a focus on safety and accuracy.

Factors That Affect Paternity Test Costs

1. Purpose of the Test:
   • Tests meant for legal purposes generally cost more because they require extra steps, like sample verification, witnesses, and chain-of-custody documentation.
2. Provider:
   • Prices can vary depending on the provider and your location. Accredited labs may offer package options or discounts for additional family members.
3. Type of Test:
   • Non-invasive prenatal testing is the most expensive due to the specialized procedures involved. Regular at-home tests are more affordable and accessible.

Where to Get a Paternity Test

1. Online Retailers:
   • At-home DNA test kits are available from trusted online platforms. Amazon and providers like HomeDNA offer paternity test kits for personal use that are reliable and budget-friendly.
2. Accredited Labs:
   • Labs like Labcorp and DNA Diagnostics Center provide both at-home and legally binding paternity testing options. Accredited labs ensure accurate results and are authorized for legal testing.
3. Specialty Clinics for Prenatal Testing:
   • For prenatal paternity tests, specialized labs like DNA Diagnostics Center offer safe testing options that are non-invasive and accurate.

Additional Tips

• Choose an Accredited Lab: For legal paternity tests, make sure to choose an AABB-accredited lab, as these results are legally admissible.
• Check Payment Plans: Some labs offer payment plans to help make legal and prenatal tests more affordable.

The cost for a paternity test ranges from $130 to $2,000 depending on the type of test and whether you need legally binding results. If you’re looking for an affordable at-home test, companies like HomeDNA offer reliable options, while accredited labs like DNA Diagnostics Center provide legal and prenatal paternity testing services.