Can I do a secret paternity test without the mother, father or child knowing?
DNA tests can be done without the father knowing, but the results are strictly for personal information and cannot be used in court. An outside laboratory can help advise a person on the type of testing material/evidence that needs to be collected from the prospective father and child.
A paternity test can be quite stressful. Add in the fact that you don’t want the mother, child, or even the father-to-be to know about the tests, and that becomes even more concerning! Start thinking of ways to prove paternity without the other party’s knowledge, perhaps by sending hair, a toothbrush, or other special samples.
How can I do a secret DNA test?
All legal DNA tests require a signed consent from the person submitting the sample. Samples provided to children under the age of 18 must have a consent form signed by their legal guardian. So if you want to do a legitimate paternity test using cheek swab samples of mothers, potential fathers, and children, it can’t be a secret.
Could you send me a toothbrush or hair?
Yes, but the Special Sample Test still requires the consent of all participants or the samples will not be tested. In addition, in order for us to accept these types of samples for testing, very specific criteria must be met.

  • Our lab must first perform a viability test on specific samples to determine if enough DNA can be extracted. Viability testing fees are non-refundable.
  • The lab needs more information, such as what the sample is, how old it is, and how much it has left.
  • Special sample testing costs $ plus a kinship testing lab fee.
  • Please note that processing a special sample does not guarantee that there will be sufficient DNA for testing.

You have already tried to talk to the person and talk about the benefits of seeking truth and peace of mind, but he is unfazed. This is a question we hear all the time, and we empathize! Other relationship tests can help in this case. If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 877 276 9006.