DNA Testing in Washington

Washington State Requirements

Washington does not require a prescription or doctor's order for a DNA paternity test. Under RCW 26.26A.200, the woman who gave birth and an alleged genetic father, intended parent or presumed parent may sign an acknowledgment of parentage. It must be filed with the state registrar of vital statistics at the Department of Health to be valid, and once filed it is equivalent to an adjudication of parentage, conferring all the rights and duties of a parent. The filing step is the one people most often miss. 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.