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Are you considering a paternity test in NYC sometime soon? If so, here is some super-important info you need to know about DNA testing for New Yorkers. The rules are different from the rest of the country, so save yourself money, time, and disappointment by knowing what those rules are, as dictated by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Upstate or downstate, the requirements are the same. And here they are . . .
Paternity Test NYC: At-Home DNA Testing is not an Option
The New York State Department of Health only allows paternity collection for DNA testing to be performed by an approved DNA Collector. This means that at-home collection where participants are responsible for self-swabbing their own cheeks is not an option. That being said, you can still get a paternity-test kit on drugstore shelves in New York, but you must contact the lab first to set up a legal paternity test before collecting your DNA.
CALL 800-929-0847 TO SET UP A NEW YORK PATERNITY TEST
Paternity Test NYC: All Testing Must be Legal Testing
At-home DNA testing is not allowed for a New York paternity test, but a legal test is perfectly fine! All chain-of-custody steps required for court-admissible testing must be followed, including:
- The lab sends testing materials directly to an approved DNA collection facility to ensure these materials have not been tampered with
- Test participants must show ID at the facility to verify their identities and/or the DNA collector may take photographs
- The collector performs or witnesses each test participant’s cheek-swabbing and places swabs in individual sample envelopes
- The collector completes all paperwork and is responsible for mailing both paperwork and DNA samples to the lab for testing
Paternity Test NYC: All Tests Must be Requested by an Agent
Once your DNA collection appointment is set up by the lab as part of your legal paternity test, you need to obtain authorization to test from an agent (such as a doctor, lawyer, or officer of the court). The requirement is mandated by the NYSDOH and New York is the only state with this rule for legal testing. The lab does not contact this agent—this is something the principal test participant is responsible for.
Final Thoughts about Testing in New York
Yes, there are a few more hoops to jump through for a NY paternity test, but getting the answers you need are well worth the effort. We hold a Clinical Laboratory Permit from the New York State Department of Health, which permits us to perform tests originating from New York. DDC is a trusted, accredited lab for DNA testing in the Empire State and all across the country—our friendly, knowledgeable staff make the process as simple as possible and, once we receive your samples, results are posted securely in just one (1) business day.
Call 800-929-0847 to set up a NY test. We’re here to help.
Do you have questions about paternity testing in New York? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.
I am 31 years old and reside in Texas. The man I would like to test to see if he is my biological father resides in New York. Do the New York Paternity Test rules still apply If the original inquiry is from another state?
Hi, Ty. Yes, if any participant in the test is a NY resident, then the test must be a legal one and follow all the rules applying to the State of New York.
Hi. I want to find my biological father, but don’t know his name I just know he live in NYC. I live in NC now.
Hi, Stephanie. If you don’t have concerns about privacy, you may want to submit your DNA to one or more ancestry sites for testing. If your biological father has also done an ancestry test, you may be able to find him that way. Good luck!
Well I reside in NY and a company did a at home test for me this year. Maybe something has changed?
Hi, Raymond. Nothing has changed with NYSDOH regulations when it comes to paternity tests. If you did a different type of at-home DNA test, then the rules are not the same.
How do you go about getting an “Agent” for authorization for a Paternity Test in NY? Is the Potential Father considered the Authorized agent? All parties are over age 18 and I’m referring to taking the Legal Test. I was adopted.
Hi, Monique. New York State is the only state where a legal paternity test is required (no at-home testing is allowed), per the NYS Department of Health. As part of that process, authorization is required, and that can come from an attorney or a medical doctor that you know. The potential father is not an authorized agent. If you have more questions, feel free to call our experts at 800-681-7162.