Get a DNA test

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1. Overview

A DNA test can be used to either:

  • prove that 2 people definitely are not related
  • show the probability that 2 people are related

You鈥檒l need to give either a blood or saliva sample.

What you can use a DNA test for

DNA tests can be used to:

  • solve a dispute about child maintenance
  • apply for contact with a child
  • apply for a visa so that a child can settle with you in the UK
  • find out who inherits an estate when someone has died

Booking a test

You can arrange a DNA test yourself.

Depending on what you鈥檙e collecting DNA evidence for, you鈥檒l need to check you鈥檙e going to the correct laboratory.

2. If you鈥檙e getting a test to use in court

You must use an accredited testing laboratory. If you do not, the results will not be accepted in court.

Accredited testing laboratories

The government accredited testing laboratories are:

  • (AlphaBiolabs)
  • (NorthGene)
  • (Orchid Cellmark Ltd)
  • (Dadcheck)
  • (DNA Legal)
  • (Paternity for Life)

These laboratories are accredited until the Ministry of Justice reviews the list in April 2025.

How much it costs

Testing laboratories set their own fees. Check their websites for details.

3. If the Child Maintenance Service orders you to get a test

If you鈥檙e ordered to get a test by the Child Maintenance Service, they鈥檒l tell you which laboratory to use.

Fees for child maintenance cases

You have to pay the test fee of 拢307.80 if the Child Maintenance Service asks you to get a test because they think you might be the parent. It鈥檒l be refunded if the test shows that you鈥檙e not the parent.

The fee will be higher if more than one child is tested.

The Child Maintenance Service may pay the test fee if you cannot afford to pay it. You鈥檒l have to pay it back if you鈥檙e proved to be the parent.

4. If you鈥檙e giving DNA evidence to the Home Office

There are different requirements if you鈥檙e getting a test to prove a relationship to the Home Office. For example, to support a visa or passport application.

Use a testing laboratory that:

  • has ISO/IEC17025 accreditation
  • follows the Home Office 鈥榗ollection process鈥� - this means you need an independent witness to take your sample, such as someone from the testing laboratory

Check the laboratory meets these requirements. If it does not, your evidence may be rejected and you鈥檒l need to pay to retake the test.

The witness needs to confirm your identity. You must:

  • show them photo ID, for example a passport or driving licence
  • give them a passport-style photo

Children under 16 can provide a birth certificate if they do not have photo ID.

5. If someone refuses a DNA test

The person carrying out the test can only take a DNA sample if they have permission from either:

  • the person being tested, if they鈥檙e an adult
  • someone with parental responsibility, if the person being tested is under 16

You can ask the court to accept your claim about who someone鈥檚 parents are. This is called applying for a declaration of parentage. The court might decide to order a DNA test.

It costs 拢365 to apply - make your cheque payable to 鈥楬M Courts and Tribunals Service鈥�. You may be able to get a fee exemption or refund.

Send the form and fee to the nearest to the home of the person whose parents are being tested.