This project was created when the DAR began accepting Y-DNA evidence, effective January 1, 2014, in support of new member applications and supplemental applications. DNA evidence submitted alongside traditional documentation continues to be evaluated together with all other source materials provided to prove heritage for a single lineage link. Y-DNA will not be accepted as stand-alone proof of lineage because, while it can serve as a tool to point to a family, it cannot constitute absolute proof for an individual. Applicants wishing to submit Y-DNA evidence must provide test results from at least two test subjects, following the criteria outlined in the guidelines and test requirements for “Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications.”

On April 13, 2016, the scope of the project was expanded to include the collection and study of all forms of DNA—Y-DNA, mtDNA, and atDNA (autosomal). The policies and procedures governing the use of DNA with pending or supplemental applications remained unchanged and continued to permit only Y-DNA for use with applications.

As of July 2020, the scope of the NSDAR DNA group project was further expanded to allow the use of atDNA and mtDNA—within the three most recent generations—in addition to Y-DNA, to prove lineages on applications and supplemental applications.

Y-DNA remains the most useful test for genealogical purposes due to its relative simplicity and well-characterized mutation rate. However, because Y-DNA passes only through the male line, women applying for DAR membership through a male patrilineal ancestor must identify an appropriate male surrogate whose test results can be used to link the applicant to an ancestor and lineage already verified by the DAR. The growing popularity of atDNA testing, combined with advances in analytical tools for all forms of DNA, has broadened the range of situations in which DNA evidence may be accepted by the DAR. The testing and reporting requirements for surrogate Y-DNA, atDNA, and mtDNA test subjects are outlined in documents available on the DAR website. Although a special autosomal test report form exists, the documentation procedures are essentially the same as those used for Y-DNA.

The DAR has accepted traditional paternity, maternity, and siblingship tests of the type used by courts for more than 20 years; these traditional tests are preferred over commercial autosomal tests. Like Y-DNA, commercial autosomal tests may be used only as part of an analysis for a single lineage link, and only when traditional documentation—such as adoption records—does not exist, or when those records are sealed and cannot be reopened. Before considering the use of atDNA, the preparer of the application or supplemental application should consult the adoption section of the Genealogy Guidelines on the DAR member website at www.dar.org/DNA.

Unlike Y-DNA, autosomal DNA may only be used within the three most recent generations—the applicant, the applicant’s parents, and the applicant’s grandparents. mtDNA may only be used in combination with a Y-DNA or atDNA test. These procedural changes will primarily benefit adoptees, children of adoptees, and individuals who discover that their biological parent (or grandparent) is not the person listed on their birth certificate or their parent’s birth certificate. The use of any form of DNA is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and, in rare cases, may be extended beyond these parameters based on the strength of the supporting documentation and test results.

(Added 12 Jul 2021) Click here to learn more and to register for the online DNA genealogy course:

DAR Genealogical Education Program Courses

Please use these other DAR resources to learn more about Y-DNA and the DAR application process:

• DNA and DAR — Press Release, January 2, 2014
• POLICY STATEMENT — Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
• GUIDELINES — Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
• DNA TEST REQUIREMENTS — Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
• Y-DNA REPORT FORM — Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
• AUTOSOMAL (ATDNA) REPORT FORM
• BIBLIOGRAPHY — Proper Use of DNA in Genealogical Research
• ONLINE COURSE — DNA and DAR: Using DNA as a Piece of the Evidence for a DAR Application
• FAMILY TREE DNA — DAR Discount Page for Y-DNA 37 Marker Test