Join 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 less when you order them through a surname project.

Search for a surname project

Follow our Step-by-Step Guide!

DNA Testing the Smart Way
1. Find and Join a Project
2. Choose the right test
3. Order a test
4. Access Personal Page
5. Post your Pedigree
6. Get your Results
7. Update Personal Page
8. Understand your Results
9. Upgrade, if needed
10.Join forces with your kin!

How do I join a Surname DNA project?

I haven't been tested yet. How do I join the project?
You join the project by ordering a dna test at FTDNA through the project or by joining the project if you have already been tested.

I've already been tested at FTDNA. How do I join the project?
In your FTDNA personal page is a blue button labeled "join". Click on that button, then 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.

Note: If you don't have a saved link to your personal page, go to the Family Tree DNA site and then enter your kit number and password. 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.

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.

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

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-haplogroup 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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?
1. Go to your FTDNA Personal page (or go to Family Tree DNA and then enter your kit number and password)
2. Open "Genographic Project"
3. Click "I agree" and then "Continue"
4. Confirm your personal details and submit your request by clicking "continue"

How do I join a Y-Haplogroup project?
1.In your FTDNA personal page is a blue button labeled "join". Click on that button, then scroll down to the Y-Haplogroups listing.
2. Then, locate and click on the letter of the alphabet for your Y-Haplogroup.
3. 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?
1.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.
2. Then, locate and click on the letter of the alphabet for your desired Geographic Project.
3. Then, select the project which best serves you.

"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."