How do I create a free FamilySearch account?

Article Id: 817
September 22, 2023

A free FamilySearch account provides wider access to resources on the FamilySearch website.

Before you start

  • Anyone over 13 years of age can create an account.
  • With parental permission, children ages 8–12 can create accounts.
  • We recommend that each person use a separate email address or mobile phone number. Doing so makes it easier to recover a username or reset a password.
  • As you create an account, the username you choose could already be in use. If so, the system provides some variations you can choose from. Or you can enter a different username.
  • User names will no longer allow specific characters. Characters not accepted are: ^{}[\]?=:!@#$^&%*;()<>|~,'"/]+$
  • We recommend that you use something other than your email address as your username.
  • If you use your email address as your username, please also include a mobile number for ease of account recovery.
  • On the website, the first time you view your own pedigree you will see a Begin Your Family Tree screen that contains easy to follow steps to help you enter information about yourself in Family Tree.

Steps (website - Facebook, Google)

You can create a new FamilySearch account by signing in with your Facebook or Google account credentials. To do this follow the steps found in the article:
How do I create a free FamilySearch account using Facebook?
How do I create a free FamilySearch account using Google?

Steps (website)

  1. Go to FamilySearch.org, and click Create Account.​​
  2. Enter the required information, and click Continue.
  3. Enter a username and password.
  4. Click the down arrow, and click a recovery option. If your country is not in the location list, you must use an email address for recovery.
  5. To agree to the terms, check the box. Click Create account.
  6. Activate your account. Look for a message in your email or a text message on your mobile phone.

Steps (mobile app)

  1. Open the FamilySearch Family Tree or Memories app on your mobile device.
  2. Tap Create a Free Account.
  3. Use the website instructions as you create your account.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

  1. Go to Family Tree Lite.
  2. Click Create a Free Account.
  3. Use the website instructions as you create your account.

Review your contact information and notification preferences in your FamilySearch settings.

Getting help

If you encounter problems, contact FamilySearch Support.

Solutions to common problems

Here are messages that mean you probably already have an account:

  • "We believe this account already exists."
  • "The mobile phone number that you entered is already in use in an account."
  • "This Church record number is already used in an account."

Notes for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  • You probably have a Church account for the Church website or Church apps, such as Tools. You do not need a separate account for FamilySearch.org. On the sign-in page, click Sign In with Church Account.
  • To add your Church record number to an existing account, go to your Account Settings. At the bottom of the page, click Add Church Record Number.
  • A member can attach the Church record number to only 1 account.
  • A member can have a member account, a public account, or both.

Important notes

To create an account on FamilySearch.org, guests must have at least 1 of the following:

  • An email address
  • A mobile phone number capable of receiving text messages

The "Begin Your Family Tree" screens only display if the currently signed-in user is attempting to view his or her own pedigree and this screen has not been shown before and no sex or unknown sex is specified for the account. If guests do not see this screen, they can go to their ID and add or edit the information manually.

Troubleshooting tips

  • If you are unable to complete the registration process, try using a different browser, or try clearing cookies, cache, and temporary files.
  • Check to see that you are using the proper characters and have the minimum number for your password.
  • If you enter information matching an existing account, the system will redirect you to recover the username and password.

How do I delete all of the cookies and temporary files stored by my internet browser?

I forgot my FamilySearch password or username

How do I request that FamilySearch resend a verification email for my Account?
How do I request resend a verification code to activate my FamilySearch account?
How do I create a free account for a child?
What are the rules for my username and password?
Can I create accounts with a shared email address?
How do I help another person create an account?

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