Learn how to request a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This is the first step in getting a VA-backed home loan or Native American Direct Loan. It confirms for your lender that you qualify for the VA home loan benefit. Then, choose your loan type and learn about the rest of the loan application process.
Gather the information you’ll need to request a COE. Select the description here that matches you best to find out what you’ll need.
If you’re a Veteran, you’ll need a copy of your discharge or separation papers (DD214).
If you’re an active-duty service member, you’ll need a statement of service—signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer—showing this information:
If you’re a current or former activated National Guard member, you’ll need a copy of your DD214 or other discharge documents.
If you’re a current or former activated National Guard member with at least 90 days of active-duty service including at least 30 consecutive days, you’ll need a copy of 1 of these documents that shows your activation date:
If you’re a current or former activated Reserve member, you’ll need a copy of your DD214 or other discharge documents.
If you’re a current member of the National Guard or Reserve and have never been activated, you’ll need a statement of service—signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer—showing this information:
If you’re a discharged member of the National Guard and were never activated, you’ll need this information:
If you’re a discharged member of the Reserve and were never activated, you’ll need:
If you’re a surviving spouse who qualifies for home loan benefits, you’ll need the Veteran’s discharge documents (DD214)—if available—and:
If you’re receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you’ll need to fill out and send us a Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility—Unmarried Surviving Spouses (VA Form 26-1817).
Or
If you’re not receiving DIC benefits, you’ll need to send us all of these:
You can request a COE in any of these 3 ways.
Your lender may be able to use an online system (called Web LGY) to get your COE. Ask your lender about this option.
To request a COE by mail, fill out a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) and mail it to the address for your regional loan center. You can find the address on the last page of the form. Please note that mail requests may take longer than requesting a COE online or through your lender.
We’ll review your request and tell you our decision. You can check the status of your request online.
Requesting a COE is only part of the process for getting a VA direct or VA-backed home loan. Your next steps will depend on the type of loan and the lender. (For most loans, the lender is a private bank or mortgage company. For the Native American Direct Loan, we’re the lender).
The lender will request a VA appraisal (assessment) of the house. An appraisal estimates the house’s market value at the time of inspection. An appraisal isn’t a home inspection or a guaranty of value.
The lender will review the appraisal and your credit and income information. If they decide to accept your application, they’ll work with you to select a title company (or other entity) to close (transfer ownership) on the house.
If you have any questions that your lender can’t answer, you can call us at 877-827-3702 (TTY: 711) to talk to a VA home loan representative. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
You can also contact your regional loan center directly.