Get a DNA test
Printable version
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
You바카라 사이트™ll 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 you바카라 사이트™re collecting DNA evidence for, you바카라 사이트™ll need to check you바카라 사이트™re going to the correct laboratory.
2. If you바카라 사이트™re 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 October 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 you바카라 사이트™re ordered to get a test by the Child Maintenance Service, they바카라 사이트™ll tell you which laboratory to use.
Fees for child maintenance cases
You have to pay the test fee of £314.10 if the Child Maintenance Service asks you to get a test because they think you might be the parent. It바카라 사이트™ll be refunded if the test shows that you바카라 사이트™re 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. You바카라 사이트™ll have to pay it back if you바카라 사이트™re proved to be the parent.
4. If you바카라 사이트™re giving DNA evidence to the Home Office
There are different requirements if you바카라 사이트™re 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 바카라 사이트˜collection process바카라 사이트™ - 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 you바카라 사이트™ll 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 they바카라 사이트™re 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 someone바카라 사이트™s parents are. This is called applying for a declaration of parentage. The court might decide to order a DNA test.
It costs £365 to apply - make your cheque payable to 바카라 사이트˜HM Courts and Tribunals Service바카라 사이트™. 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.