What are ID numbers used for in Family Tree?

Article Id: 1106
February 12, 2025
Share

An ID number (identification number) is a string of letters and numbers that uniquely identifies a record in Family Tree. ID numbers consist of four characters, a hyphen, and then three more characters. 

An example ID is K8LL-TGB. Some characters, such as A, E, I, O, and U, are never included in Family Tree ID numbers.

An ID number:

  • Shows on all tree views, on person cards, and on the Person page.
  • Usually appears near the person's name.
  • Is automatically assigned when a new record is created.
  • Does not provide information about the person or the source of the information.
  • Does not change for a given record.

In Family Tree, you can use the ID number to:

  • Find records of deceased people.
  • Find records of living people, if you added them. The records of living people are only searchable to the person who added them.
  • Find the record of a deleted person and restore it if necessary.
  • Link a deceased individual into a family tree.
  • Merge records by ID number if you know the ID number of a duplicate. Both records must show as deceased. 

Additional information about ID numbers

  • If you see the message that an ID number is invalid, it is no longer assigned to a record.
  • When you search by ID number, you can enter the number in lowercase letters, with or without the hyphen.
  • When you add a living person, a unique ID is created. When another patron adds the same living person, a different ID number is created.
  • You cannot merge the records of a living person with the same living person created by someone else. You can merge records of a living person only if you created both records.
  • When you click an ID in the portrait, landscape, descendancy, or first ancestor views, the ID is copied. In the fan chart view, the person's ID isn't displayed, but clicking on a person opens a side panel where you can copy their ID.

How can I find a deceased person in Family Tree?
How do I restore a deleted record for a person in Family Tree?
How do I add a family member to the pedigree in Family Tree?
How do I merge possible duplicates in Family Tree?
How does Family Tree protect the privacy of living people?

Was this helpful?