Having access to the documentation an ancestor submitted with their lineage society application can be helpful in preparing and submitting your application. Sometimes they had access to records that can no longer be located, such as a family Bible. Other times, they may have tracked down something extremely difficult to find. How do you access those documents?
It may not always be possible. Documents were sometimes returned to applicants or destroyed to address potential privacy concerns. Some societies do not release either applications or documents.
But there are some that do. The Daughters of the American Revolution allows for the purchase of application copies and some supporting documentation through the Genealogical Research System. Sons of the American Revolution allows for hourly research in their library. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants allows for the purchase of both documentation and application copies with a time period restriction. Other societies may be able to access stored copies on request.
When in doubt, ask your society’s genealogist, historian, or registrar. They should be able to tell you first if it’s possible to obtain such copies and second how to proceed in so doing… and don’t forget, anything obtained must be evaluated to ensure it meets current society standards.