Becoming A Member of the SAR
Membership Eligibility and Application Process
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) welcomes qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, or residency. Membership is based solely upon documented lineal descent from an individual who supported the cause of American independence during the Revolutionary War era.
The SAR National Bylaws state:
"Any male shall be eligible for membership in the SAR who is a citizen of good repute in the community and a lineal descendant of an ancestor who was at all times unfailing in loyalty to, and rendered acceptable service in, the cause of American Independence."
Eligible patriot service occurred between 1775 and 1783 and may include military service in the Continental Army, Navy, or local militia, as well as a variety of recognized forms of civilian support. Qualifying service may include serving on a jury, paying taxes in support of the Revolutionary cause, signing an Oath of Allegiance, providing supplies, or performing other approved patriotic services. For example, while Thomas Jefferson did not serve as a battlefield commander, his contributions to the cause of independence qualify his descendants for membership.
Getting Started
The first step in the application process is obtaining a certified copy of your birth certificate showing the names of your parents. From there, our chapter registrar can assist you in identifying and documenting your qualifying Revolutionary War ancestor.
The current cost of membership is $215, plus the cost of any required supporting documents. This amount includes:
- $140 in non-refundable application fees
- $75 for first-year dues
Once an application is submitted, the review process typically requires three to five months. Processing times may vary depending on application volume, staffing levels, and other factors.
Assistance with Your Application
Our chapter is committed to helping prospective members successfully complete the application process. Before purchasing genealogical records or other documentation, please contact the Chapter Registrar. In many cases, existing records and previously approved applications can be used to establish portions of your lineage, potentially reducing both expense and effort.
If you have questions or would like assistance determining your eligibility, please contact:
Russ Woodward, Registrar
Email: russwoodward.sar@gmail.com
or
John Moore, Assistant Registrar
Email: jmoore417@gmail.com
Subject Line: SAR
Russ and John strive to respond to all inquiries within two business days. If you do not receive a response within that time, please resend your message. You may also contact the Chapter President for assistance.
Our goal is to make the application process as straightforward as possible and to help prospective members avoid unnecessary expenses while successfully documenting their lineage and joining the Sons of the American Revolution.