Skip to content

Record Copies (SAR, DAR, CAR)

Summary: Rules for using official SAR, DAR, and CAR application record copies as evidence on new SAR applications, including cutoff dates and what is and is not accepted.

Sources: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md (GCP Sections 3.5003–3.5005), # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md (APG, Using Lineage Society Record Copies)

Last updated: 2026-04-15

General Rule

SAR accepts only record copies from SAR, DAR, and CAR. Record copies from all other lineage societies are not accepted. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Using Lineage Society Record Copies)

Official record copies must show that they are official — not personal or chapter copies: - SAR record copies contain the words "Record Copy" and usually have an Application Control Number (ACN) at the top - DAR record copies are marked "Record Copy" and contain tracking information at the bottom from the DAR's GRS website - CAR adds member number, dates, and checkmarks to approved applications

SAR Record Copies (GCP 3.5004)

Approved after 1 January 2012: Accepted as evidence of corresponding service, lineage, and related facts. The first qualifying application is #181935. Does not apply to portions subsequently flagged as incorrect (see [[appeals-and-pended]], flags).

Approved before 1 January 2012: Accepted only for facts that have been individually verified with a mark by the reviewing SAR genealogist. Applications that rely on pre-2012 SAR applications may require additional evidence. Some pre-2012 sources have since been found unreliable.

Pre-1978 applications: Generally lack supporting documentation and may require additional research.

What is NOT accepted

  • Screen prints of SAR record copies from Ancestry.com
  • Family Group Sheets from the SAR Patriot Index
  • SAR Patriot and Grave Index entries
  • DAR ancestor numbers or SAR "P" numbers (convey no usable data)
  • Information from SAR Patriot Research System printouts

DAR Record Copies (GCP 3.5003)

Approved after 1 January 1985: Accepted as evidence of corresponding service, lineage, and related facts. The earliest qualifying DAR member number is 688702. DAR supplement applications in "Add Vol." 622 and above will also have 1985 or later approval dates.

Does not apply to portions determined incorrect by DAR or SAR, or subsequently flagged.

For electronic DAR applications: No individual verification marks are used — all information on the record copy has been verified. Any unproven information has been removed.

Approved before 1 January 1985: Acceptable only for facts that have been individually verified with a checkmark on each datum, the sources are provided, and those sources meet current proof standards.

Submission requirements for DAR record copies (GCP 6.1003b)

  • Must be an official DAR Record Copy (not a chapter copy)
  • Must include all four pages (but not the cover page), printed in their entirety, including the copyright footer
  • If printed on 8½ × 11 paper, must be reduced so the full page is shown
  • Do not include the first "What has changed" page of downloaded DAR record copies

What is NOT accepted

  • DAR chapter record copies or any other non-official copies
  • Entries in "The DAR Patriot Index" as proof of service
  • Copies from the DAR GRS website "Descendants Database Search"
  • Pages copied from DAR Lineage Books
  • Pages copied from DAR State Society rosters of patriots

CAR Record Copies (GCP 3.5003)

Approved after 1 January 1985: Accepted as evidence. The first qualifying CAR new member application is No. 130021.

Information from short-form CAR applications is accepted only for the generations listed on the short form.

Approved before 1 January 1985: Acceptable only if specific facts have verification checkmarks, sources are provided, and those sources meet current standards.

Using Record Copies with Flags or Corrections

When a record copy contains handwritten corrections or bracketed (unsupported) information made by the genealogy staff, the new application must reflect those corrections — not the uncorrected original information. Omit bracketed information. Use new evidence to update any previously incorrect data. (source: # Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).md, APG Corrections Made to Earlier Applications)

Applications that rely on a previously approved SAR application which itself was supported by a pre-2012 SAR application or a pre-1985 DAR application may require additional evidence or may qualify for the Grandfathering provision (see [[application-types]]). (source: National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.md, GCP 3.5004)

How to Cite a Record Copy on the Application

Provide the organization, member number, and patriot ancestor name:

  • SAR RC #156802 – Samuel Hoard
  • DAR RC #809020 – Richard Terrill
  • C.A.R. RC #231066 – John Smith

For proof of service derived from a record copy, also quote the service sources cited on that record copy:

  • DAR RC #965138 – Andreas Gerberich cites PA Archives, 5th Series, Vol. 17, p. 620

See [[source-citation-format]] for more citation examples.

  • [[application-types]]
  • [[acceptable-sources]]
  • [[inadmissible-sources]]
  • [[source-citation-format]]
  • [[appeals-and-pended]]