When it comes to establishing the legal parentage of a child, few tools are as definitive and widely accepted as DNA testing. Whether you’re looking to add a biological father’s name to a birth certificate or remove a name that was listed in error, a legal DNA test can be a key piece of evidence when working with your state’s Vital Records Office.

What Is a Legal DNA Test?

A legal DNA test is different from an at-home test. It follows a strict chain-of-custody process, meaning the sample is collected by an approved professional, with identification verified and documentation maintained at every step. This ensures that the results are admissible in court and accepted by government agencies—including Vital Records.

Why Amend a Birth Certificate?

People seek to change a birth certificate for several reasons:
    •    Adding a biological father’s name after paternity has been confirmed
    •    Removing a person’s name who has been proven not to be the biological parent
    •    Correcting inaccuracies that occurred at the time of the child’s birth

In each of these cases, a DNA test is often required to legally prove or disprove the parent-child relationship.

The Legal Process

The process to amend a birth certificate varies by state, but it typically involves the following steps:

1. Obtain a Legal DNA Test

Contact an accredited lab (like Alliance DNA Laboratory) to schedule a legal paternity or maternity test. The test must follow the chain-of-custody requirements to be valid in legal proceedings.

    2.    Receive Court-Ready Results

Once the DNA test is complete, the lab will issue results that can be submitted to a family court or Vital Records.

    3.    File a Petition

Depending on your state, you may need to file a petition with the court or submit a request directly to the Department of Vital Records to amend the birth certificate.

    4.    Provide Supporting Documentation

Along with the DNA results, you may need to provide:
    •    A certified copy of the current birth certificate
    •    A court order (if required by your state)
    •    Valid identification
    •    Application forms or affidavits

    5.    Await Approval

After review, the Vital Records Office will either approve or deny the amendment. If approved, a new birth certificate will be issued reflecting the change.

Why It Matters

Accurate birth records are critical for:
    •    Establishing inheritance rights
    •    Determining child support or custody
    •    Applying for social security benefits
    •    Knowing the true biological history of a child

A legal DNA test provides the proof needed to support these important life changes.

Final Thoughts

Amending a birth certificate can feel like a complex legal journey, but with the right DNA evidence and guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you or someone you know is facing a situation like this, reach out to a trusted DNA testing provider and make sure your case is backed by accurate, court-admissible results.

Need help navigating the process? Contact Alliance DNA Laboratory today—we’re here to help you find the truth and make it official.