GR050324For years we all heard that if your mother was in the DAR all you need for membership in the SAR is a "Record Copy" of her NSDAR application and a copy of your birth certificate. This is no longer true.In an attempt to streamline their operations DAR has instituted some new procedures. On DAR applications approved within the past few years they have started verifying DAR applications based upon an older DAR Record Copy by making check marks only on the center column of dates, indicating that they have reviewed the information on an older DAR application. Our staff is not satisfied with this information, as possible corrections may not be made on the newer application. Although the NSSAR Genealogy Committee may consider modifying how we handle these record copies in the future, they will not meet again until the Fall Trustees meeting. In the meantime, we must attempt to obtain the necessary information. In practical terms this means that anytime you have a Record Copy or Duplicate Copy of a DAR application that does not have check marks going down all three columns, you must immediately order a Record Copy of the older DAR application upon which it was based. Some of you may not be familiar with the newer "Duplicate Copy". Duplicate copies are made of each new application after check marks have been placed on it and the copy is sent to the DAR chapter. It is identical to the record copy, so there is no need is obtaining a record copy of the newer application. Obtaining copies of DAR Record Copies is very time consuming - taking from 4 - 8 weeks. DAR has set up a special fax line where you can order a minimum of three copies at $30.00, and you will receive them by fax the following day. The fax number is 1-202-777-2372. To use this fax line the cost must be charged to a credit card, so with the DAR request form also include the type card, card number and expiration date, with your signature authorizing the charge. If you have questions you may call the record copy office of DAR at 1-202-879-3326. Since many small chapters may not need 3 record copies at any given time, I suggest that the individual state registrars resend this message to each chapter and volunteer to be the central office for obtaining DAR Record Copies for members of their respective states. Once obtained, you should forward copies of both the new and old DAR Record Copies with the application. You are also reminded that when a request is made for a Record Copy from a non-SAR/CAR/DAR member, the information on the two most recent generations is blacked out. Therefore, if you are working with an applicant, you -- rather than the applicant -- should be the person to apply for the copy. I hope that this will help smooth the application process. Fraternally, Ed Butler, Genealogist General |