Choose a paternity test provider or laboratory
Decide whether you need a legal test or an at-home test
Order the test kit or schedule an appointment
Collect DNA samples from the child, alleged father, and sometimes the mother
Use the provided swabs or follow the lab’s sample collection instructions
Label and package the samples as directed
Return the samples to the laboratory
Wait for the results
Review the paternity report from the lab
Use a legal chain-of-custody process if the results will be used in court or for official purposes