Our DNA collection kits contain a return mailing envelope with the address for our lab printed on it. If your return mailing envelope is lost or damaged you may mail the sample directly to us at:
FamilyTreeDNA
1445 North Loop West, Suite 820
Houston, TX 77008
Domestic Return Shipping Options
DNA collection kits mailed within the U.S. from FamilyTreeDNA contain a padded return envelope that includes a USPS pre-paid return shipping label.
While expedited shipping is available for delivering the kit to you, the return envelope includes standard postage and is not expedited.
Should you choose to send your DNA sample(s) through another carrier, please note the return envelope is considered a parcel and not a letter. Affixing correct postage will help ensure your DNA sample is not damaged in transit.
DNA Processing Consent Form Requirements
There are several key points to remember when mailing your completed DNA sample to us.
- The DNA Processing Consent Form must be included along with your DNA Sample. If the DNA Processing Consent Form is missing from your kit or damaged, a new one can be downloaded and printed here.
- The name of the DNA donor on the Processing Consent Form must match the name on the kit.
- Minors under the age of 13 cannot be DNA tested regardless of parental consent due to international privacy laws, so the month and year of birth on the form is required.
- You cannot re-label collection kits with a kit number different from the one that is printed on the label for that collection kit. If you have lost or damaged your kit, Customer Service will be happy to assist in getting a replacement sent to you.
IMPORTANT: The DNA Processing Consent Form must contain the name, DOB, genetic sex, and signature of the DNA donor, regardless of the person who purchased the test. The name of the tester MUST be on the correct line, so read carefully.
Domestic Return Shipping Tracking
For domestic shipping orders, your return shipment tracking information is printed on your return mailing label. It is important to make a note of this tracking number for your records before mailing the kit to us. If you have lost your tracking number, please contact customer service and we will be able to provide it.
Check-in Process
Due to the large volume of kits we receive, there is usually some delay between the delivery date provided by return tracking information (regardless of shipping method) and the date your sample is marked as received by our lab in your account.
DNA samples and kit information are usually checked in within 2-3 business days after delivery to our office. Depending on mail volume, there may be some delay between the time the package is marked as delivered by your chosen mail carrier and the time it is checked into our lab. An email will be sent automatically to the primary email address on the kit when your sample is checked into our lab.
If we are unable to check in your sample for any reason, a Customer Service Representative will send an email to the primary email address on the kit requesting more information.