Distance does not have to stop you from getting an answer. When one person lives here in Southern California and the other lives in another state, we can still complete a DNA test between them. We collect from the local person at home, mail a simple cheek-swab kit to the person out of state, and send everything to the same lab. This is a peace of mind test, done for your own knowledge.
This will be a peace of mind test, and here is why that matters
The most important thing to understand up front is what kind of test this is.
A legal, court-admissible test requires a neutral, certified collector to witness every sample, verify each person's photo ID, and keep an unbroken chain of custody from collection to lab. We cannot send our technician across state lines, so the person in the other state collects their own sample. That self-collection is exactly what makes this a peace of mind test: it is for your own answers, not for court.
Here is the good news: the DNA science does not change at all. A peace of mind test is analyzed in the same lab, with the same accuracy, as a legal test. The only difference is how the samples are collected and whether the result can be used in court. You can read more in our guide on legal vs. peace of mind DNA tests.
How a DNA test across state lines works
- You call or text us. We ask a few questions: who is being tested, where each person lives, and what the result is for.
- We schedule a mobile visit for the local person here in Southern California, often the same day, and collect a painless cheek swab at home.
- We mail a swab kit to the person in the other state, with simple instructions and prepaid return shipping.
- They gently swab the inside of the cheek, seal the kit, and drop it back in the mail.
- Once both samples reach our AABB-accredited lab partner, results come back in a few business days.
Nobody has to get on a plane, and nobody has to travel.
Who this is for
- A father or mother who moved to another state, testing with a child who stayed behind.
- A child living with one parent in another state, testing with the parent here.
- Adult children confirming a biological relationship with a parent who lives far away.
- Any family split across state lines who simply want a private, reliable answer.
What if you need a court-admissible result?
If the test is for child support, custody, adding a name to a birth certificate, or any other court matter, you will need a legal DNA test with chain of custody for everyone involved. That is still possible across state lines, it just works differently. We can arrange a witnessed collection at a facility near the out-of-state person, or coordinate for all participants to be collected here in Southern California. Call us and we will help you choose the right path before anything is scheduled.
The accuracy is the same either way
Distance changes the logistics, not the science. A peace of mind test is 99.99%+ accurate for an inclusion and 100% conclusive for an exclusion, exactly like a legal test. If you want to understand what those numbers mean, see our article on how accurate a DNA paternity test really is.
We make the distance easy
We coordinate the timing on both ends, give plain instructions to the person out of state, and stay available by phone the whole way through. Hablamos Español, so Spanish-speaking family members are fully taken care of too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do a DNA test if the other person lives in another state?
Yes, as a peace of mind test. We collect from the local person here in Southern California and mail a simple cheek-swab kit to the person in the other state.
Is a mail-in DNA test accurate?
Yes. It is analyzed in the same lab with the same method, so it is 99.99%+ accurate. It is a peace of mind test because the out-of-state sample is self-collected rather than witnessed.
Can I use an out-of-state peace of mind test in court?
No. Court matters need a legal test with chain of custody for everyone. Call us and we will walk through the options.
How long does it take?
Usually a few business days after both samples reach the lab. Mailing time to and from the other state is the main variable.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the number of participants. Mobile collection for the local person is included at no extra charge in our service area. See our pricing page or call for a quote.
Living in different states does not stop you from getting an answer. We collect from the local person in Southern California and mail a simple kit to the person out of state. It is a peace of mind test, same lab and same accuracy, for your own peace of mind. If you need a court-admissible result, call us and we will walk you through the legal options.