The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) <dar.org> is the largest lineage society in America. Incorporated in 1896, the DAR has admitted more than 800,000 members. The application process takes about three months because a staff genealogist processes all applications in order of receipt, says Terry Ward, interim director of genealogy. To ensure problem-free processing, follow Ward's seven suggestions:

1. Don't send short-form birth certificates. These certificates, currently being issued by several states, don't list the parents, and so they don't prove a family relationship. If you have a short-form certificate, send it with other documentation, such as a baptismal record or birth announcement.

2. Paper-clip documentation for each generation together. This will help keep all relevant papers together, and make it easier for the staff genealogist to follow your records and documentation.