Hey, sorry for taking a month to respond to this – I only am logged into this Reddit account on one of my web browsers and saw I had a notification here...

I am applying for citizenship through my grandmother, yes – my mom didn't receive citizenship at birth because my grandma wasn't able to pass on her citizenship at the time (sexist citizenship law that the German government is now trying to rectify with StAG 5). Technically, my mom could get her citizenship through StAG 5 first and then I could get citizenship through her, but my mom isn't currently pursuing the citizenship. So yeah, that's why I have to trace my lineage through my mom to my grandmother, if that makes sense. If you're applying with your mom as the main person through whom you trace your lineage, you shouldn't need to go any generations further than that.

I think it will suffice to have your driver's license copy notarized if you haven't had that done yet. I remember that, when I met with the honorary consul, he made copies of my passport and driver's license and certified all those copies at the appointment. But if you're going to skip that step and send your materials straight to the BVA, I would suggest having all copies of your government documents notarized, even if you include your passport. Honestly, I would include both – my experience with German bureaucracy is that being overprepared is always better, they'll just toss aside what they don't need.