Adoptee Resources

DNA Testing: Where to Start

If you haven't taken a DNA test yet, start with AncestryDNA. It's the largest DNA database available, making it the best choice for adoptees, NPEs, and anyone searching for biological family. The more people in a database, the better your chances of finding meaningful matches.

One of the biggest advantages of AncestryDNA is that you can download your raw DNA data and upload it to several other genealogy websites for free. That means you can expand your search without paying for multiple DNA tests.

One important note: DNA transfers are not possible between AncestryDNA and 23andMe. You cannot upload Ancestry results into 23andMe, and you cannot upload 23andMe results into Ancestry.

If You Tested with AncestryDNA

Download your raw DNA file and upload it to:

• FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA)

• MyHeritage

• GEDmatch

• GEDmatch Genesis (available through the GEDmatch website)

To download your AncestryDNA file:

1. Sign in to your Ancestry account.

2. Go to DNA Settings.

3. Scroll down to Actions and select Download DNA Data.

4. Enter your password and confirm your request.

5. Check your email and click the confirmation link.

6. Your raw DNA file will then download to your computer.

If You Tested with FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA)

You can upload your DNA file to:

• MyHeritage

• GEDmatch

• GEDmatch Genesis

If You Tested with MyHeritage

You can upload your DNA file to:

• FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA)

• GEDmatch

• GEDmatch Genesis

If You Tested with 23andMe

Your options depend on which version of the test you took.

Version 5 (tests taken since August 2017)

Because 23andMe changed its DNA chip technology, Version 5 results can currently only be uploaded to:

• GEDmatch Genesis

You can check your version by downloading your raw DNA file. The downloaded filename will include the version number (for example, v5).

Versions 2, 3, or 4

You can upload your DNA file to:

• FamilyTreeDNA (Version 2 may not always be accepted.)

• MyHeritage

• GEDmatch

• GEDmatch Genesis

Still Not Finding Close Matches?

If you've already tested with AncestryDNA, uploaded your results to MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, and GEDmatch, and still haven't found close relatives, consider taking a separate DNA test with 23andMe. Because it has its own independent database, you may discover relatives who haven't tested anywhere else.

Looking for Your Paternal Line?

If you're a male searching for your biological father—or you're helping a male relative search—consider taking a Y-DNA test through FamilyTreeDNA. Y-DNA follows the direct paternal line and can be extremely helpful in narrowing down your father's family tree, especially when traditional autosomal DNA results don't provide clear answers.

Tip: Uploading your DNA to multiple databases is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your chances of finding biological relatives. Every new database gives you access to a different pool of potential DNA matches, and sometimes the breakthrough you're waiting for is just one upload away.

‍ ‍ Order your pre-adoption birth certificate or call 877-456-7747

Adoptees born within New York City should contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for information on how to obtain pre-adoption birth certificates from within their jurisdiction

You can apply if:

• You're the adopted person and are at least 18 years old.

• You're the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an adopted person who has passed away.

• You're the adopted person's legal representative, such as their attorney.

• You're the legal representative of a direct descendant of a deceased adopted person.

Your original birth certificate will be clearly marked as a record from a sealed adoption file. Along with it, you'll also receive copies of any adoption-related documents that are already in the file, such as the adoption order. The best part? You don't need to submit a separate request for those documents—they'll be included automatically if they're available.

For many adoptees, receiving an original birth certificate can be a meaningful first step toward learning more about their beginnings and starting a search for biological family.

The fastest way to order your pre-adoption certificate is to order online through VitalChek using the link at the top. Only the adoptee can place an order online. The processing time for every Pre-Adoption application (no matter how you order) is six weeks.

The adoptee must apply and provide the information as it currently appears on their birth certificate.

‍ ‍Adoption Information Registry - New York State Department of Health

If you were adopted, placed a child for adoption, or are the biological sibling of someone who was adopted, you may be wondering about your birth family. The New York State Adoption Registry is designed to help answer those questions—and in some cases, even help reunite families.

One of the most valuable services the Registry offers is access to non-identifying information about your birth parents. Even if they have never registered with the Adoption Registry or agreed to share identifying information, you may still be able to learn details such as their physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, and other background information. You can also find out which agency handled the adoption and learn about the circumstances surrounding it.

One important fact many adoptees don't realize is that your original birth date and place of birth are never changed on your amended birth certificate. Those details remain the same.

Who Can Register?

The Adoption Registry accepts registrations from adoptees who were born or adopted in New York State and are 18 years of age or older.

If you're under 18, you can still register to receive future medical updates if one of your adoptive parents signs the application.

When Can Information Be Shared?

If everyone involved has registered with the Registry and given their consent, adoptees can exchange identifying information—such as names and current addresses—with their birth parents or biological siblings.

If only one birth parent signed the original adoption paperwork, only that parent's registration and consent are needed for information to be shared between that parent and the adoptee.

Medical Information Matters

Birth parents can submit updated medical and psychological information to the Registry at any time. If the adoptee is already registered, that information will be shared. If not, it will be kept on file until they register.

These updates can be incredibly important, as they may alert adoptees to inherited health conditions or other medical risks. Any medical information submitted must be verified by a licensed healthcare provider.

Be Patient

Requesting non-identifying information isn't an overnight process. It typically takes at least six months to receive it.

Receiving identifying information—or being reunited with family members—can take much longer. In some cases, it may take years or may never happen if the required parties do not register and give their consent.

How to Register

To join the Adoption Registry, you'll need to complete a signed, notarized application.

If you're registering as an adoptee or as the biological sibling of an adoptee, you'll also need to include a copy of your current birth certificate showing your parents' names.

The Registry provides separate forms for:

• Adoptees

• Birth Parents

• Biological Siblings

Fun fact: It was one of these Biological Sibling Registration Forms that my sister Molly submitted years before we found each other. She had been looking for me long before I ever knew I was adopted.

This information can be an important first step in your search. Even if a reunion isn't immediately possible, the Adoption Registry can provide valuable information that helps fill in pieces of your story.