DAR Begins Accepting Autosomal DNA

Marilyn Mills, DAR Genealogist and Team Leader

July 31, 2020

Exciting news! DAR has begun to accept autosomal DNA (atDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in addition to Y-DNA as evidence of lineage submitted with DAR membership Applications within the first three generations! DAR staff genealogists will now consider Y-DNA, autosomal DNA and mtDNA evidence along with more traditional genealogical sources during the verification of member-related Applications. This change will primarily benefit adoptees and children of adoptees. The National Society has accepted traditional paternity (and maternity) tests for more than 20 years.

With this change in policy, DAR recognizes the importance of autosomal DNA in genealogical research, but also that commercial autosomal DNA tests alone, like Y-DNA evidence, are not definitive enough to prove exact relationships. DAR staff genealogists will only consider Y-DNA 37 Marker and autosomal test results when traditional documentation does not exist or cannot be obtained due to sealed records. MtDNA will only be used in conjunction with Y-DNA or autosomal DNA.

Y-DNA and autosomal DNA as evidence to support DAR Applications

DAR began accepting Y-DNA evidence on January 1, 2014, in support of new member Applications and Supplemental Applications. DNA evidence submitted along with other documentation will be considered along with all other source documentation provided to prove lineage. Like the Y-DNA requirements, autosomal DNA cannot be considered as stand-alone proof of lineage. In some cases, applicants may be able to use mtDNA in conjunction with atDNA to clarify relationships particularly when half siblings are involved.

Those applicants wishing to submit Y-DNA or autosomal evidence as proof of lineage along with other traditional proof documentation must submit Y-DNA or autosomal test results from at least two test subjects following the Y-DNA criteria outlined in the guidelines and test requirements found on both the public and member websites. Test results for all parties should be uploaded in the NSDAR DNA Group Project at familytreedna.org.

More information on identifying the specific types of situations in which DNA can be accepted by the DAR, as well as the testing and reporting methods for the surrogate Y-DNA and autosomal DNA test subjects, is outlined at https://www.dar.org/national-society/genealogy/dna-and-dar-applications.

Testing for DAR members has been established for those wishing to use the results for DAR Application purposes. Family Tree DNA, the DAR’s preferred testing partner, offers a special discount for DAR members when they join the NSDAR DNA Group Project prior to ordering kits. Family Tree DNA is not the only provider of genetic genealogy tests, but it has the largest Y marker database in the world. The Y-DNA 37 test offered by Family Tree DNA includes a designated marker set that meets the reporting criteria outlined in the guidelines and test requirements for Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications. For more information and to take advantage of this special offer, visit the DAR page of the Family Tree DNA website at www.familytreedna.com/DAR. Autosomal test results can be transferred from other companies to Family Tree DNA or a reduced-price autosomal DNA test called Family Finder, are also available: https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/nsdar/about. In most cases, one can also upload tests results from other companies to Family Tree DNA. https://www.familytreedna.com/autosomal-transfer

DNA and DAR online genealogy course

Many advances have been made in the testing and interpretation of DNA results for use as evidence in genealogical research, but the information is still very complex. With the new DAR policy, DNA test results can be used for evidence of lineage for DAR Applications or Supplemental Applications, but specific criteria must be met. To help navigate how individuals can use DNA evidence for a DAR application, the DAR is revising its existing online genealogy class “DNA and DAR.” This special DNA online course is like the other DAR Genealogical Education Program (GEP) online courses, but it does not require any prerequisite classes prior to participation.

The “DNA and DAR” online course will introduce the basics of DNA and applying DNA to genealogical research, along with the impact of DNA on the process of documenting a DAR application. The course will cover other topics, such as guidelines for using DNA for DAR Applications; case studies for determining whether DNA evidence is an appropriate avenue of research for a particular Application and the steps you would take to take the test and how to interpret the results; along with specific instructions for submitting the Application with either the Y-DNA or autosomal report. The “DNA and DAR” updated online course will be available on August 1 for anyone to participate and costs $100. For more information and to enroll, visit the Genealogy Education Programs (GEP) website at www.dar.org/gep.

The DAR genealogy staff’s DNA study group will continue to use all types of DNA evidence in its own research, as well as monitor developments in the science of genetic testing. As with any new endeavor, the initial procedures and expectations may change at a future time. These changes may be in response to new science, new interpretations of existing data or the workload of the genealogy staff.

Additional information for members and the public, including communication, educational materials, guidelines and procedures, can be found at www.dar.org/DNA. Since the use of DNA is complex, it cannot be adequately addressed on the phone. Inquiries should be sent to the administrators of the DAR DNA Group Project. https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/nsdar/about

Autosomal graphic source: https://www.smarterhobby.com/genealogy/best-dna-test/

Send Us a comment