Update: 1 Nov 2026
If you’ve taken an Ancestry DNA test, you may be wondering if you can use the results in a lineage society application. The short answer: maybe.
The Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution both permit the use of autosomal DNA testing as support for an application.
But there are restrictions, and they’re current different for DAR and SAR.
For DAR:
- There must not be “paper” supporting documentation for direct or indirect evidence of the relationship.
- It can only be used for certain generations. As of 2026, DAR allows autosomal DNA to be used to connect the applicants and their parents or a parent and grandparents.
- Any matches must give consent and in the case of DAR, be willing to submit their DNA to DAR’s group.
- Any matches must be willing to provide documentation of their relationship to the parent/grandparent.
For SAR:
- DNA must be submitted as part of a proof argument.
- For generations past 3, a professional genealogist must be engaged.
- Only one DNA related proof argument is allowed per application.
- “Also, only atDNA results with 1500 centimorgans (cM) or higher are allowed.” With these amounts, the Shared cM Project suggests the referenced matches must be close relatives (and making it unlikely that atDNA can be used past generation 3). The wording of the policy does suggest other tests might be allowed.
This policy is primarily designed to help support adoptees. As it’s somewhat challenging to use, if you have alternate options – such as an original birth certificate – it’s best to use those instead.