APRIL 23, 2024

How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost?

As one of the world’s most highly accredited and trusted DNA testing laboratories, we hear the same question nearly every day: how much does a paternity test cost? With so many DNA testing providers appearing in recent years, it’s easy to feel unsure about which one to choose when you need a paternity test.

For many people, price is the first thing they look at, and that is completely understandable. When you’re asking how much is a paternity test, though, it helps to remember that the lowest price can sometimes mean lower quality, and quality matters a great deal for a test this important. Some companies online advertise very cheap DNA paternity tests, but if a price seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Most people want accurate, reliable results at a fair price. With that in mind, here is a breakdown of the price ranges you can expect for a quality paternity test.

Paternity Test Price Ranges

Home Paternity Test Cost

A quality paternity test for personal knowledge or peace of mind – also known as a home paternity test – typically costs anywhere from $130 to $200. 

Legal Paternity Test Cost

A legal paternity test (with court-admissible results), typically costs $300 to $500. DDC’s legal paternity testing services include professional DNA collection, and can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including child support and custody cases, birth certificate changes, immigration, adoption, tax forms, inheritance rights and more.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) Test Cost

A non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) test – which allows you to determine the father of the child before birth – typically costs anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.

NOTE: Paternity test prices can vary and additional features can be added, such as expedited testing.

What about Low-Cost Paternity Tests?

Many online companies appear legitimate, but outsource their tests to unregulated labs or ship your DNA samples out of the U.S. for cheaper processing. Be careful because cheap testing often means cheap testing methods — don’t take a chance on your life-changing paternity test.

Why Choose DDC for your DNA Paternity Test?

• We offer high-quality paternity tests at reasonable prices.
• We are the lab — all testing is done on-site, so you can be sure your analysis is being performed at an accredited facility.
• In our laboratory, two independent teams of DNA analysts run every legal DNA test twice, using state-of-the-art equipment, and the end results are verified by a trained scientist with a PhD degree. We go above and beyond AABB requirements to assure our clients receive the most accurate results possible.
• Results are delivered within 1-2 business days (or even same-day) for home paternity tests and legal paternity tests, and as quickly as 3 days for non-invasive prenatal paternity tests.
• Our highly-trained and caring customer-service specialists are available to help when you have questions.

Your best option is to call our toll free number, for two reasons:

1. To make sure you get the test that’s right for you, and
2. To see if you qualify for any monthly discounts

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

DNA Diagnostic Center is the world leader in paternity and relationship testing. We serve healthcare professionals, government agencies, and individuals around the world to determine family relationships with trusted accuracy.

More Questions? Don’t hesitate to call us: we’re here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover the cost of a paternity test?

In most cases, no. Health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid generally do not cover paternity testing because it’s considered elective rather than medically necessary. DDC keeps testing affordable and offers Affirm payment plans, so you can choose a monthly option that fits your budget. Call us, and we’ll walk through the pricing for your situation.

Why does a prenatal paternity test cost more than a home paternity test?

A non-invasive prenatal paternity test is far more complex than a standard home test. Our Certainty NIPP test isolates your baby’s DNA from a simple blood sample taken from the mother, then analyzes over 850 genetic markers (SNPs) to compare it with the possible father’s DNA, all while you are still pregnant. That advanced technology and added lab work are why prenatal testing is priced higher than an at-home cheek-swab test.

Does DDC offer payment plans for paternity testing?

Yes. We offer Affirm payment plans on many of our tests, and our customer care team can walk you through the options and let you know if you qualify for any current discounts. Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.