Application Types

Summary: Describes all six SAR application types — new member, Family Plan, junior, grandfathered, supplemental, and memorial — with their distinct requirements.

Sources: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md (APG, Application Types), National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md (GCP Sections 6.1002, 6.2000, 6.5000; Bylaw No. 1 Section 5)

Last updated: 2026-04-15

New Member Applications

For male applicants aged 18 or older. Requires: - Completed application form with all signatures (applicant, sponsor, co-sponsor, state registrar, state secretary) - Full supporting documentation proving lineage and patriot service - Birth certificate identifying applicant as male (see [[application-requirements]])

Current or former CAR members applying between ages 18–22 may base their application on a DAR or CAR record copy, but must still submit an official record copy meeting full documentation standards, plus their birth certificate. Current CAR members should include a valid Certificate of Good Standing for a discounted rate. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG New Member Applications)

"Family Plan" Applications

For applicants filing initial or supplemental applications using the same genealogical line, connected by relationships no more than two linkages removed from the primary applicant's line. All must be submitted together, through the same state society, on the same transmittal form.

One full documentation set is submitted with the primary application
Each subsequent applicant only needs documentation proving their unique generational link to the primary applicant (e.g., a son submitting with his father needs only his own birth certificate showing his father's name)
Do not submit duplicate pages of documentation
Provides a reduced application fee for additional family members (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Family Plan Applications)

Junior Membership Applications

For males under 18 years old. Requirements: - Application may cite a SAR, DAR, or CAR record copy (must meet full documentation standards) - Source documentation from the junior member to the common link in the bloodline is required (normally birth/death certificates) - Current CAR members should include birth certificate, CAR record copy, and Certificate of Good Standing

On reaching age 18, a junior member automatically becomes a regular member without a further application. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Junior Membership Applications)

"Grandfathered" Applications (Bylaw No. 1, Section 5)

Available to close relatives of present or former members — limited to brothers, sons, grandsons, nephews, and great-nephews.

These applicants may use a copy of the present/former member's approved SAR application plus documentation of their relationship, even if one or more links back to the patriot are not sufficiently documented to meet current requirements.

The application is approved but marked "Grandfathered"
A grandfathered application cannot be used by future applicants (third parties) for original or supplemental applications until the deficient links are resolved
The applicant may be requested to provide additional information for the deficient links
Service must still be proven to current standards

Important: Grandfathered applications that rely on a pre-2012 SAR application or pre-1985 DAR application may be excepted from new proof requirements. (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP Bylaw 1 Section 5; GCP 3.5004)

Supplemental Applications

For members in good standing wishing to establish links to additional patriot ancestors. Key differences from new member applications: - Signatures required: applicant and state registrar only (no sponsor, co-sponsor, or state secretary needed) - Chapters should require chapter registrar review before submission to state - Expedited processing is not available for supplemental applications - A supplemental application demonstrating an additional line of descent through a different lineage from a previously proven patriot is acceptable and pays the standard supplemental fee

Approved applications cannot be amended. New information can only be introduced by a new SAR application (by a qualifying relative) or a supplemental application using a different lineage to the same patriot. (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP 6.2001)

Memorial Applications

Submitted on behalf of a deceased close male family member (within two generations) by a related SAR member in good standing (related by blood, marriage, or adoption).

Requirements: - Same forms and proof requirements as a standard membership application - Must include a copy of the death certificate or other proof of death of the deceased applicant (GCP 6.5000) - The submitting member signs as both applicant and first-line sponsor - The applicant's signature block is signed by an active SAR member - Must include complete proof documents for bloodline connection to patriot and proof of service - If largely based on the submitter's existing SAR application, cite that application in the reference sections and submit only the additional proof needed to link the deceased to the existing application

Memorial applications may be used as supporting documentation for future applications, provided no errors exist in the lineage or service documentation. (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP 6.5000)

[[application-requirements]]
[[record-copies]]
[[appeals-and-pended]]
[[lineage-proof]]
[[revolutionary-service]]