DNA Testing in Maryland

Maryland State Requirements

Maryland does not require a prescription or doctor's order for a DNA paternity test. Under Maryland Family Law section 5-1028, unmarried parents may execute an affidavit of parentage, which constitutes a legal finding of paternity. Either signer may rescind it in writing within 60 days. After that window closes it can be challenged in court only on grounds of fraud, duress or material mistake of fact, and genetic test results alone are not enough to undo it. That 60-day window is worth knowing before anyone signs. For a result to be used in court, the test has to be performed by an accredited laboratory with a completed chain-of-custody form, which means samples are collected at a certified site and everyone tested shows government ID. A home kit gives you a private answer but is not accepted for child support, custody or a birth certificate change. Call and we will confirm which test your situation needs.