Join a Project

  How do I join a Surname DNA project?

I haven't been tested yet. How do I join the project?

• If you have not been tested, order your test through the project (which will automatically make you a member of the project). Tests at Family Tree DNA cost $50 to $80 less when you order them through a surname project.
• You can order your test by:
  • Clicking on the link on your project's website "Click here to order a DNA test in the ___Project" to go directly to your project's order page at Family Tree DNA.
    or
  • Clicking on "Order" in the light gray navigation bar at the top of each page of your surname project's website to go directly to your project's order page at Family Tree DNA
    or
    
  • Clicking on the "Order Test" link in the dark gray navigation bar across the top of each page, type your surname in the box, and you will be taken directly to the project's order page at FTDNAⁱ. 
  • When you have joined the project, the Project Administrator will be notified by FTDNA.
  • When your resultsⁱ are ready, FTDNA will notify the Project Administrator that the results are available for posting to the Results Page.                                
    Search for a project.
    Help in choosing the right test. 
    Help in filling out the order form.

I've already been tested at FTDNA. How do I join the project?

• In your FTDNA personal pageⁱ is a blue button labeled "join". Click on that button.
• Select the surname of the project you wish to join.
• Then select a second gray join button which is lower on the page. 
• We hope that you'll also post your family pedigree at the Forum and encourage the other researchers that you work with to join in, both in posting their pedigrees and in getting the yDNA of their ancestral family on record in the project.
• When you have joined the project, the Project Administrator will be notified by FTDNA, and your results will be available for posting on the Project's Results Page.
• Note: Or, if all else fails, you can ask FTDNA to transfer you into the project - ph (713) 868-1438 or email info@familytreedna.com

I was tested at another company. Can I join your project? 

• Yes, if you were tested at one of the companies whose results we accept for posting. We will post your results if you submit them in the table we provide. We require that you provide your earliest known ancestor and pedigree.
  
• In addition, Family Tree DNA now allows those who have previously tested at another company to retest at FTDNA at a reduced price.  This offer gives you many benefits: 
  • Full privileges in your Surname Project
  • Only way to be included in FTDNA’s internal database
  • Facilitates membership in multiple projects (you have direct comparison in each with no additional testing and at no extra charge.) 
  • Guaranteed retention of your test sample for 25 years
  • Other Important Features--see our full explanation of retesting at FTDNA here.
  • FTDNA has put their special order page back up.  http://www.familytreedna.com/PDF/PROMO_GAP.pdf
  • Pricing for testing at FTDNA (if you have already been tested at some other commercial lab):

    • 12 markers $59     (savings $40)
      25 markers $89     (savings $40 + $20 = $60)
      37 markers $119   (savings $40 + $20 + $20 = $80 over incremental upgrades - or $70 over initial 37 marker order)
      note: Add $2 for domestic s/h and $4 for international s/h

• To find out more about re-testing at FTDNA, contact your project administrator or email FTDNA at ashley@familytreedna.com

I am part of the National Geographic Genographic Project (NGGP). How do I join this project?

• You can transfer yourself, your results and your retained sample to Family Tree DNA.
• Go to your National Geographic Genographic Project page.
  • Log in using your kit number.
  • On the next page, click on "I acknowledge".
  • On the next page, scroll all the way down to the bottom.  You will see "learn more" in small blue letters near the bottom of the page.  Click on it.
  • Check "I agree".
  • Fill out the FTDNA form "Adding Your Record to FTDNA" and click "Continue"
  • You should be able to finish it from there.

• Once you have been transferred into FamilyTreeDNA, you will be given access to a "personal page". 
  
  • In your FTDNA page is a blue button labeled "join". 
  • Click on that button, then select the surname, then select a second gray join button which is lower on the page. 
  • Or, you can call or email FTDNA and ask them to transfer you into the project (713) 868-1438 or http://www.familytreedna.com/contact.html
• When you have joined the project, the Project Administrator will be notified by FTDNA, and your results will be available for posting on the Project's Results Page.
  

Can I join more than one surname project?

• Yes, FTDNA allows each participant to belong to as many as five projects:
  • 2 surname projects
  • 1 geographic project
  • 1 y-haplogroupⁱ project (if you have been yDNA tested)
  • 1 mt-haplogroup (if you have been mtDNA tested)

Joining Other Types of Projects

How do I join an mtDNA project? (example is for T1 Project)

• To join the T1 project
  
  • In your FTDNA personal page is a blue button labeled "join". Click on that button, then scroll to the very bottom - where the "mt Haplogroup Projects" listing is included.
  • Then, locate and click on the letter of the alphabet for your mt haplogroup. (For the T1 project, Select "T 3" - which is the listing of all mt projects included in the letter T.
  • Then select "T1" and then, select the gray join button which is lower on the page.
  • Note: you cannot join a mt -Haplogroup project if you have not done a mtDNA test.)

How do I join the genographic (National Geographic Genographic) project?

• Go to your FTDNA Personal page (or go to Family Tree DNA and then enter your kit number and password)
• Open "Genographic Project"
• Click "I agree" and then "Continue"
• Confirm your personal details and submit your request by clicking "continue"

How do I join a Y-Haplogroup project?

• In your FTDNA personal page is a blue button labeled "join".
• Click on that button, then scroll down to the Y-Haplogroups listing.
• Then, locate and click on the letter of the alphabet for your Y-Haplogroup.
• Then, select the Y-Haplogroup project which best serves you 
• (Note: you cannot join a Y-Haplogroup project if you have not done a yDNA test.)
  
  

How do I join a Geographic project?

• In your FTDNA personal page is a blue button labeled "join". Click on that button, then scroll down to the Geographic Project listings. Note - some Geographic projects are for both yDNA and mtDNA, while others are for only yDNA or only for mtDNA. Also - the Ethnic projects are included in the Geographic Projects categories.
• Then, locate and click on the letter of the alphabet for your desired Geographic Project.
• Then, select the project which best serves you.

 Search for a project.

Why join a Surname DNA project?                                                    

A surname DNA project can help you

• confirm relationships identified by traditional genealogy
• locate related families lost through the passage of time
• identify the origin of the family’s early ancestors
• find other families who share your genetic ancestor(s)
• connect with a community of researchers

The aim for many participants is to identify a participant who "matches" their test results, and who can help them find the paper trail that leads further back up the family tree.

Large surname projects typically work to catalog all known families carrying the surname. As many surnames have evolved over time, a common approach is to open a surname project to all known spellings - plus others that may have been changed over time - either closer to - or further away - from the most common spellings. So, don't be too concerned if your surname is grouped with other surnames that you are certain aren't related. (they need a place to test, too)

In addition, tests at Family Tree DNA cost $50 to $80 less when you order them through a surname project. 

Search for a project.

Surname Projects:  Frequently Asked Questions

Joining a Project:  Frequently Asked Questions

 "This information is for the private use of any genealogical researcher to further their own knowledge. It is not to be reprinted in any form without the written permission of the World Families Network."