Child Custody & Visitation
Establish paternity for a custody or visitation case. Courts require a legal, chain-of-custody test before they will rule on parental rights.
Court-Admissible · Chain of Custody · AABB Accredited
Legal DNA Testing
A legal DNA test gives you court-admissible results you can use for custody, child support, immigration, and birth certificates. TestMark DNA handles the full process at a certified collection site near you, with results in 3 to 5 business days.
Not sure if a legal test is what you need? Call and we will tell you in minutes, free.
Free consultation. No obligation. Speak with a real person now at (888) 255-7944.
Know what you need? Skip the call.
Order Your Legal Test OnlineOrder and pay securely online in minutes.
Court-Admissible Results
AABB-Accredited Labs
Chain-of-Custody Documented
CLIA-Certified Sites
Discreet
Certified Network
Results in 3-5 Days
Confidential
2,297+
Certified Collection Sites
50
States Covered
99.99%
Accurate Results
Do You Need a Legal DNA Test?
If a court, attorney, agency, or government office told you to get a DNA test, you almost certainly need a legal (chain-of-custody) test, not a home kit. These are the most common reasons people call us.
Child Support
Confirm or contest a child support obligation. A legal DNA test is the standard evidence courts and child support agencies accept.
Birth Certificate
Add or change the father listed on a birth certificate. Vital records offices require legally admissible results to make the change.
Immigration (USCIS)
Prove a biological relationship for a visa or green card petition. USCIS only accepts AABB-accredited, chain-of-custody DNA tests.
Inheritance & Estate
Settle an estate, probate, or inheritance claim where a biological relationship must be proven to the court.
Social Security & Benefits
Qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, military benefits, or other government programs that require proof of relationship.
Do not see your situation? Call (888) 255-7944 and we will tell you exactly which test you need.
Have a court date or deadline?
Call now and we will get your legal test scheduled at the nearest certified site, fast.
Call for a Free Consultation - (888) 255-7944Prefer to order online?
Order Your Legal Test OnlineWhat Makes a DNA Test Legal?
A legal DNA test uses the same lab science as any other test. What makes it court-admissible is the chain of custody, a documented process that proves exactly who was tested.
1
Verified Identity
A neutral, trained collector checks each participant's government-issued photo ID and photographs them. No one can be tested anonymously.
2
Witnessed Collection
The collector performs the cheek swab in person and documents every step, so there is no question about whose DNA was sampled.
3
Sealed & Tracked
Samples are sealed in tamper-evident packaging and tracked to an AABB-accredited lab, creating an unbroken paper trail courts accept.
How it works
Call for a free consultation
Our team walks you through the right test, answers your questions, and confirms your nearest location.
(888) 255-7944Visit your local collection site
A quick, painless cheek swab at one of 2,297+ certified collection sites, with your identity verified and chain of custody documented. Takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Get results in 3 to 5 business days
Receive your confidential results delivered securely. Over 99.99% accurate, private, and legally defensible.
Call for a free consultation
Our team walks you through the right test, answers your questions, and confirms your nearest location.
(888) 255-7944Visit your local collection site
A quick, painless cheek swab at one of 2,297+ certified collection sites, with your identity verified and chain of custody documented. Takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Get results in 3 to 5 business days
Receive your confidential results delivered securely. Over 99.99% accurate, private, and legally defensible.
Legal vs Personal DNA Testing
LEGAL
Legal DNA Test
- Court-admissible results
- Chain-of-custody documentation
- Government ID required at collection
- Results accepted in legal proceedings
- Collected at certified site only
PERSONAL
Personal DNA Test
- For personal knowledge only
- No chain of custody required
- No ID required
- Results not for legal use
- Can collect samples at home
Both options available - call to confirm which is right for your situation.
Not sure which test you need? Call for a Free Consultation - (888) 255-7944Pricing & Free Consultation
Legal DNA testing is priced by test type and number of participants, and includes the chain-of-custody documentation that makes results admissible. There are no hidden fees. We confirm your exact price on the phone, before you book, at no cost.
No Hidden Fees
We quote your full price up front during the free consultation. No surprises at the collection site.
Free, No-Obligation Call
There is no charge to call, ask questions, or get pricing. You only pay if you decide to test.
Multi-Party Discounts
Cases that include additional participants often qualify for per-person pricing. Ask when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a DNA test legally admissible in court?
A DNA test is legally admissible when it follows a documented chain of custody. That means a neutral, trained collector verifies each participant's government-issued photo ID, collects the samples, and seals them in tamper-evident packaging that is tracked all the way to an accredited laboratory. A home test you collect yourself cannot be used in court because there is no proof of who was tested.
Is a legal DNA test accepted in all 50 states?
Yes. TestMark DNA uses AABB-accredited laboratories and chain-of-custody collection that courts, agencies, and USCIS accept nationwide. Requirements can vary slightly by state and by the court or agency requesting the test, so call (888) 255-7944 and we will confirm exactly what your situation requires.
How long does a legal DNA test take?
Most legal DNA test results are ready within 3 to 5 business days after all samples reach the laboratory. The collection appointment itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Ask about expedited processing if you have a court date approaching.
Do I need an appointment, and what should I bring?
Yes, legal tests are done by appointment at a certified collection site so a trained collector can document the chain of custody. Each adult participant must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. For a minor child, the parent or guardian provides consent and the child's identification or birth certificate.
Does the mother need to be tested for a legal paternity test?
No. A legal paternity test can be completed with just the alleged father and the child and still exceeds 99.99% accuracy. Including the mother's sample can strengthen the statistical result but is not required by the laboratory.
How much does a legal DNA test cost?
Cost depends on the test type and the number of participants. Legal tests include chain-of-custody documentation, so they are priced differently than personal tests. There are no hidden fees. Call (888) 255-7944 for a free consultation and we will give you exact pricing before you book.
Can I use the results for immigration or a passport?
Yes, when the test is ordered correctly for that purpose. Immigration cases through USCIS require AABB-accredited, chain-of-custody testing with results sent directly to the requesting agency or embassy. Tell us it is for immigration when you call so we set up the case the right way from the start.
What is the difference between a legal and a personal DNA test?
The science and accuracy are identical. The difference is the collection protocol. A legal test verifies identities and documents chain of custody so the results can be used in court or by an agency. A personal test is collected without that documentation and is for your own knowledge only, so it cannot be used legally.
Get your legal DNA test started today
Free, confidential consultation. Court-admissible results in 3 to 5 business days.
Call for a Free Consultation - (888) 255-7944Prefer to order online?
Order Your Legal Test Online