AncestryDNA is a cutting edge DNA testing service that utilizes some of the latest autosomal testing technology, our patented Genetic Communities™ and SideView^TM technologies, and the largest consumer DNA database to revolutionize the way you discover your family history. This service combines advanced DNA science with the world's largest online family history resource to identify your genetic origins and help you find new family connections. It provides insight into what region of the world your ancestors came from or whether you’re descended from such specific groups as East Midlands, Yorkshire & North England. AncestryDNA can also help identify relationships with unknown relatives through a dynamic list of DNA matches.

AncestryDNA is a simple saliva test you can do in the comfort of your own home. Once you order, you will receive the AncestryDNA kit in the mail in a matter of days. Your AncestryDNA kit includes full instructions, a saliva collection tube, and a prepaid return mailer (so you don't have additional costs to return your DNA). After returning your sample by just dropping it in the mail, your DNA is processed at the lab. You then receive an email notifying you that your results are ready to explore on the AncestryDNA website.

Your AncestryDNA results include information about your geographic origins across 3,000+ places and populations and identify potential relatives through DNA matching to others who have taken the AncestryDNA test. Your results are a great starting point for more family history research, and they can also be a way to dig even deeper into the research you've already done.

The AncestryDNA test uses microarray-based autosomal DNA testing, which surveys a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations, all with a simple saliva sample. Additionally, the new online interface integrates state-of-the-art tools for you to utilise your DNA results for family history research.

Your AncestryDNA test results will normally take about 6-8 weeks to process from the time that the lab receives your DNA sample. Please note that you must also activate your DNA kit online in order to begin processing.

When your AncestryDNA results are ready, you will receive an email from AncestryDNA notifying you, with a link to view your results. Your results will also be available online in your password-protected AncestryDNA account.

Giving AncestryDNA couldn’t be easier. Simply order a kit online, create your Ancestry account to track your order, and have the kit shipped to either you or the recipient. When they open the box, they’ll find clear instructions on how to take the test, open their free account, and activate the kit online.

You will only have access to the recipient’s results if the recipient chooses to share their results with you. As privacy and security are of the utmost importance here at Ancestry, only the person who has taken the test may decide whether or not to share their results. When activating their kit, they will be given the option to share their results with the person who purchased the kit. They can also choose to share with other Ancestry members via the DNA Settings page.

Absolutely. When placing your order, you can choose to have the kit shipped either to you or to the recipient.

Your privacy is our highest priority. We use industry standard security practices to store your DNA sample, your DNA test results, and other personal data you provide to us. In addition, we store your DNA test results and DNA sample without your name or other common identifying information. You own your DNA data. At any time, you can choose to download raw DNA data, have us delete your DNA test results as described in the Ancestry^® Privacy Statement, or have us destroy your physical DNA saliva sample. We do not share with third parties your name or other common identifying information linked to your genetic data, except as legally required or with your explicit consent.

For more information on privacy at Ancestry, see the AncestryDNA Privacy Statement and visit our Privacy Center.

Yes, both women and men can use AncestryDNA since we all carry the DNA that is being tested. In fact, men and women are tested in the same way for the same number of markers. Unlike some other DNA tests, which only analyse the Y-chromosome (and can only be taken by a male to look at your direct paternal lineage) or mitochondrial DNA (can be taken by a male or female but only looks at your direct maternal lineage), AncestryDNA looks at a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations.

AncestryDNA is a cutting edge DNA testing service that utilizes some of the latest autosomal testing technology, our patented Genetic Communities™ and SideViewTM technologies, and the largest consumer DNA database to revolutionize the way you discover your family history. This service combines advanced DNA science with the world's largest online family history resource to identify your genetic origins and help you find new family connections. It provides insight into what region of the world your ancestors came from or whether you’re descended from such specific groups as East Midlands, Yorkshire & North England. AncestryDNA can also help identify relationships with unknown relatives through a dynamic list of DNA matches.

Click here to find out how our enhanced ancestral origins analysis gives you an even more detailed picture of your place in the world.