One of the most common points of panic about DAR applications is the cost. With vital record certificates running up to $30 a copy, an application to the Daughters of the American Revolution can get expensive quickly. But some careful planning can save money. Here are a few questions to consider:
Is the information I need already on file? DAR does not require you to resubmit documentation for information it has already validated, provided it meets current standards. Have someone who is comfortable “reading” the DAR system review what you need to submit before you start ordering. It can save hundreds.
Is that vital record required? As of March 2020, DAR permits submission of the death certificate to document birth if the death certificate includes the date and place of birth and the parents’ names. It’s an easy way to save the $20-$30 cost of a birth certificate.
Is there another way to get a copy? Not everything has to be ordered from the state vital records office. Town clerks, county recorders, and other local officials may have some leeway in the fee, and often turn around records much faster. FamilySearch has digitized many early vital records and has them available for free on their website.
Think before you order! The cost of the application will be much more manageable, and you’ll have money for suplementals.
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