Here are the most frequently asked questions about FamilyTreeDNA. If you have additional questions, feel free to visit our Help Center or reach out to our Customer Service team.
Yes. You can gift a test to anyone over the age of 13. It is important to note that when you gift a test to someone between the ages of 13 and 18 they must have their parent’s or guardian’s approval for FamilyTreeDNA to accept and process their DNA samples.
The person to whom you gift a test (or the parent/guardian of testers between 13 and 18) must agree and accept FamilyTreeDNA’s Terms of Service.
When placing your order, you can either ship the kit to yourself or provide the recipient's shipping address, and we will ship the DNA kit directly to them.
Kit activation happens at the time of purchase, and we will immediately begin sending relevant email notifications regarding order confirmation and tracking. If you provided your email at the time of purchase because the gift was a surprise, please be sure to send the sign-in information to the DNA provider once they receive the kit, and have them change the kit owner’s email address after signing in using the information you have provided them.
For step-by-step instructions on how to order a gift in the shopping cart, click here.
Additionally, we offer Gift Cards that can be used for both new kit purchases and purchases on existing accounts.
For more information on gift cards, click here.
We ask for the genetic sex of the tester because we want to make sure you purchase the correct tests.
Y-DNA tests can only be taken by genetic males. Learn more
No worries! Select any genetic sex for now and we can update this once we receive the DNA samples! Each collection kit includes a DNA Processing Consent Form that collects the name, genetic sex, and birth year of the tester.
If you need to change the type of tests you ordered before gifting your test, you can reach out to our Customer Service team.
Once you order a test:
Kit activation happens at the time of purchase, and we will immediately begin sending relevant email notifications regarding order confirmation and tracking.
Your test kit is sent to you.
Once you receive your test, simply swab your cheeks to collect your DNA sample. Learn more
Return your DNA sample to us.
We process your DNA in our in-house lab in Houston, TX. Learn more
Once your DNA has been processed, your results are posted to your kit.
Deciding on the right test depends on what genealogical information you are wanting to explore and which genetic sex you are.
The following are only brief descriptions of each test.
Can be taken by both genetic females and males.
Traces all of your ancestral lines.
Provides you with a comprehensive breakdown of your ancestry.
Matches you with autosomal DNA relatives in our database.
Click here to see everything that you get with the Family Finder™ test.
Can be taken by both genetic females and males.
Traces your direct maternal line.
Matches you with mtDNA relatives in our database.
Provides you with your mtDNA Haplogroup and the migration path of your maternal line ancestors.
Shows your placement on the world’s largest mtDNA haplotree.
Click here to see everything you get with the mtFullSeuence test.
Can only be taken by genetic males. Learn more
Traces your direct paternal line.
Matches you with Y-DNA relatives in our database.
We offer three Y-DNA tests:
Tests 700 STR markers.
Includes SNP matches. With SNP matching, you can compare where you and other families fit on the family tree of mankind.
Sequences 500K+ known SNPs on the Y chromosome to help you identify your family’s unique Y-chromosome mutations.
Provides a confirmed Y-DNA haplogroup.
Updates over time as more evidence is available.
Tests 111 STR markers.
Compares 111 STR markers between you and your matches.
Provides a predicted Y-DNA haplogroup.
Tests 37 STR markers.
Compares 37 STR markers between you and your matches.
Provides a predicted Y-DNA haplogroup.
Click here to learn more about what you get with the different Y-DNA tests.