Do identical twins have the same fingerprints?

Joe Rawlinson by Joe Rawlinson - April 25, 2017

Do identical twins have the same fingerprints?

Fingerprint

No. They don’t.

Identical twins are identical because they came from the same fertilized egg that split very early in the pregnancy process. The twins therefore share the same DNA and physical characteristics.

However, fingerprints are formed well after that fertilized egg split and each twin is growing side by side with his or her sibling. At that time, each twin is affected by the subtle differences each baby experiences while in the womb.

Just like you’ll notice that your identical twins look slightly different (something that often only parents can tell at first), their fingerprints are also slightly different.

Research has shown that identical twins’ fingerprints are typically similar in their characteristics but still unique in their distinctive patterns.

Take a close look at your twin’s fingerprints. Can you spot the difference?

4 Critical Mistakes Expectant Twin Parents Make

Picture by José Luís Agapito

Further Reading

Dad's Guide to Raising Twins book
Don't forget to pick up a copy of the definitive guide to raising twins. "Dad's Guide to Raising Twins" was written for fathers of twins to help guide you through the first several years with twins. Click here to learn more about the book and get your copy.

Leave a Comment