How to Get a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

In this article:

• Request a VA Certificate of Eligibility through a lender
• Apply for a VA Certificate of Eligibility online
• Apply for a VA Certificate of Eligibility by mail

Current or past members of the U.S. military can finance up to 100% of their home purchase with a VA loan that has no mortgage insurance or prepayment penalties.

These loans — backed by the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs and made by local mortgage lenders throughout the country — have a critical first step: proving you've met the VA's military service requirement.

A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a VA loan eligibility letter that proves you meet military service requirements and shows how much VA loan entitlement you have left. The VA requires all lenders making VA-backed loans to include a COE in their loan approval process. The fastest way to get your COE is through a lender. However, you can get a COE three ways.

Request a VA Certificate of Eligibility through a lender

All VA-approved lenders have access to a lender-only VA website that's not accessible to consumers, and they can usually obtain your COE within minutes on the same day you apply with them.

Apply for a VA Certificate of Eligibility online

You can also apply for a COE online yourself using the VA's eBenefits portal. If you don't already have a login, you can register. Call the VA's eBenefits Help Desk at 800-983-0937 for help with the site.

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility by mail

The VA also allows you to apply for a COE by mail. All you have to do is fill out VA form 26-1880 and mail it in. This process can take several weeks, which is why the online option is generally recommended. It’s a good idea to use form 26-1880 to check for the information required by the VA , even if you plan on completing the process online.

The COEs for each category of eligible VA borrower — whether veteran, active duty service member, current or former National Guard or Reserve member, etc. — have different requirements.

Once you've obtained your COE, a VA lender will approve you in much the same way they would any other borrower. Be prepared to provide all of your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and any other information your lender requests.

The COE process is very easy for experienced VA lending officers, so you'll want to find a lender who specializes in VA loans in your area. You can also estimate the cost of a VA loan using our VA mortgage calculator.