Determining a biological relationship through a DNA paternity test is a straightforward process. Whether for personal knowledge or for legal reasons, understanding your options is the first step. This guide explains how to get a DNA paternity test in Canada, from choosing the right test to understanding your results.

Step 1: Choose Between a Private or Legal Paternity Test

The first step is to decide which type of test you need. Your choice will depend on how you plan to use the results.

Private At-Home Paternity Test

This is the most common option for individuals seeking answers for their own peace of mind. The process is simple and discreet. A private at-home paternity test kit is mailed directly to your home, you collect the DNA samples yourself using simple mouth swabs, and then send them back to the laboratory for analysis.

• Best for: Personal information and confirmation.
• Validity: The results are just as accurate as a legal test but are not admissible in a court of law.

Legal Paternity Test

If you need the results for official matters—such as child custody, child support, immigration applications with IRCC, or changing a name on a birth certificate—a legal paternity test is necessary. This process follows a strict chain-of-custody procedure to ensure the results are legally defensible.

• Best for: Court proceedings, immigration applications, and other official matters.
• Validity: Results are fully admissible in Canadian courts.

Step 2: Order Your DNA Test Kit

Once you have decided which test is right for you, the next step is to order your test online.

A kit will be shipped discreetly to your preferred address. For a paternity test, you will need to specify the number of children and alleged fathers to be tested. While not always required, including the mother’s DNA sample is recommended as it can help strengthen the final results.

Step 3: Collect the DNA Samples

Collecting a DNA sample is a painless and easy procedure using the buccal (cheek) swabs provided in your kit.

• The Kit: Your test kit contains everything you need, including sterile mouth swabs for each person being tested, collection envelopes, and clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
• The Process: Simply rub the swab firmly on the inside of the cheek for about 30 seconds to collect the skin cells needed for analysis. This method is safe for individuals of any age, including newborn babies.
• For Legal Tests: The sample collection will be witnessed by a neutral third party to maintain the required chain of custody.

Step 4: Send the Samples to Our Canadian Lab

After collecting the samples, place them in the return packaging provided. DNA Tests Direct includes a prepaid shipping label, so you can mail the samples back to our laboratory without any extra cost.

All testing is performed at our SCC, AABB, CAP, and CLIA-accredited laboratory right here in Canada. Your genetic information is protected by Canadian privacy laws and never leaves the country.

Step 5: Receive Your Accurate, Confidential Results

Once our laboratory receives your samples, the analysis begins.

• Fast Analysis: You can expect your secure, confidential results to be ready just 1 to 2 business days after the lab receives your samples.
• Guaranteed Accuracy: We analyze up to 27 genetic markers and perform every test twice in-house to ensure 100% accuracy.
• Clear Results: If the tested man is the biological father, the results will show a probability of paternity of over 99.9999%. If he is not the father, he will be excluded with 100% certainty (a 0% probability).
• Secure Access: Your results will be available through our secure online portal. You can also check the status of your test 24/7 with our online tracker.

Getting a DNA paternity test is an accessible process. By choosing an accredited Canadian company like DNA Tests Direct, you are assured of accurate results, complete privacy, and a simple testing experience from start to finish.