Flexible shipping options are part of why FamilyTreeDNA has a global database. We offer many options to both our domestic and international customers. For international outbound shipping, see this article.
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 domestic 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.
Standard Domestic Shipping
For domestic orders, FamilyTreeDNA uses DHL eCommerce shipping. Transit time is usually between 5–7 business days. However, depending on your location, it may be as many as 10 business days.
The combined shipping and handling charges for standard domestic shipping (within the continental United States) orders are as follows:
- Single kit (first kit) – $9.95 USD
- Additional Kit – $4.95 USD (per additional kit) A kit is considered to be an “additional kit” when the kit is purchased in addition to the “first kit” in the same order, and is being mailed to the same address.
Example: If you order three kits with standard shipping, the shipping and handling cost is $19.85 ($9.95 + $4.95 + $4.95 = $19.85).
Important: Due to the high volume of orders during sales and holiday seasons, shipping times may be longer than normal as a result of internal delays and delays with DHL. Please select expedited shipping (contiguous US orders only) or request next-day shipping if you need an order delivered prior to a holiday. Note that additional charges apply for expedited and next-day shipping. You can select Expedited shipping directly on your shopping cart (option is located under the Billing Address section). To request next-day shipping, contact Customer Support at (713) 868-1438 Monday thru Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM CT.
Standard Domestic Shipping Tracking
For standard domestic shipping orders, your DHL tracking information will be emailed to you.
Domestic Expedited Shipping
FamilyTreeDNA only offers expedited shipping (2–3 days) within the contiguous United States via FedEx.
You can select Expedited shipping directly on your shopping cart. The option is located under the Billing Address in the Shipping Options section.
Expedited Shipping Cost
The combined shipping and handling charges for expedited domestic shipping orders within the contiguous United States are as follows:
- Single kit (first kit) – $19.95 USD
- Additional Kit – $4.95 USD (per additional kit) A kit is considered to be an “additional kit” when the kit is purchased in addition to the “first kit” in the same order, and is being mailed to the same address.
Example: If you order three kits with expedited domestic shipping, the shipping and handling cost is $29.85 ($19.95 + $4.95 + $4.95 = $29.85).
Domestic Next Day Shipping
Once you have placed your order, you may request that it be shipped to you by Federal Express. For domestic orders, next-day shipping is $35 USD within the continental United States. Saturday delivery is $40.
To upgrade shipping, please call Customer Service at (713) 868-1438 Monday thru Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM CT, and make sure to have your kit number available.
Important: As the shipping and handling fee covers the costs of materials and labor, expedited shipping fees are in addition to the standard $9.95 shipping and handling fee.
Note: Your kit number is included in the email that we sent to you after you placed your order online.
Replacement Kits
If you believe that your DNA collection kit has been lost in the mail or otherwise destroyed, please contact our customer service department for inquiries about a replacement collection kit. Replacement kits do not incur additional shipping fees in most cases.
When a replacement kit is ordered, there is a chance that the original DNA collection kit sent to you was delayed rather than lost. In such cases, when you receive the replacement kit, DO NOT use it for any other individual. Submitting samples from different individuals under the same kit number can cause significant delays in testing.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a labeled collection kit for more than one individual. This includes any replacement kits received.