How to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Three ways to request it and the exact documents for veterans, service members, Guard, Reserve and spouses.
Your Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, is the document that proves to a lender that you qualify for a VA-backed home loan. It also shows how much entitlement you have and whether you are exempt from the funding fee. You need it before your loan can close, so it is worth getting early.
Three ways to request your COE
- Online through VA.gov. Sign in and fill out the request. You can check the status online afterward.
- Through your lender. Many lenders use the VA's Web LGY system, which can issue a COE in seconds when the VA already has enough information in its records.
- By mail. Send VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility, to the regional loan center listed on the form. The VA notes that mail requests may take longer.
Documents you need
| If you are | You generally need |
|---|---|
| A veteran | A copy of your discharge or separation papers (DD214) |
| On active duty | A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer, with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, date you entered duty, any lost time and the name of your command |
| A current or former activated Guard or Reserve member | Your DD214 or other discharge documents showing the active-duty service that qualifies you |
| A Guard or Reserve member who was never activated and is still serving | A statement of service signed by your commander showing your creditable years of service |
| A discharged Guard member who was never activated | NGB Form 22 for each period of service and NGB Form 23, plus proof of honorable service |
| A discharged Reserve member who was never activated | Your latest annual retirement points statement and proof of honorable service |
| A surviving spouse | VA Form 26-1817 if you receive DIC, or VA Form 21P-534EZ plus your marriage license and the death certificate if you do not. See our surviving spouse guide |
What the COE tells your lender
- That you are eligible for the VA home loan benefit based on your service.
- Your entitlement, which affects how much you can borrow with no down payment. Read more in our loan limits and entitlement guide.
- Your funding fee status, including whether you are exempt, for example because you receive VA disability compensation.
How to read your COE
When you get the certificate, check these items before you send it to your lender:
- Your name and service details. Mistakes here can delay underwriting.
- Entitlement amounts. The COE shows your basic entitlement and any entitlement charged to previous VA loans. If you have an old VA loan you thought was paid off, check that the entitlement was restored.
- Funding fee status. It should say whether you are exempt. If you receive disability compensation and it says you are not exempt, raise it before closing.
- Conditions. Some COEs list conditions, for example that a discharge document must be provided. Your lender has to clear them.
If your COE shows less entitlement than you expected
This usually means a previous VA loan is still open, was assumed by a buyer who did not substitute their entitlement, or ended in a loss to the VA. You can still buy, but the no-down-payment limit may be lower. Our guides to loan limits and entitlement and to using a VA loan a second time explain the math and how to restore entitlement.
Tips to avoid delays
- Request the COE before you make an offer on a home, so it does not hold up your closing.
- If the lender route does not work instantly, it usually means the VA needs more documents. Apply online or by mail with your papers.
- If you have used your benefit before, have details of your previous VA loan ready, because they affect your remaining entitlement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a COE?
Through a lender using Web LGY it can take seconds when the VA has enough information on file. Online requests are reviewed by the VA, and mail requests may take longer.
Do I need a COE before I apply for a VA loan?
You need it before the loan closes. Many buyers get it early so it does not delay the purchase.
Is there a fee to get a COE?
No. Requesting your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA is free.
What form do I use to request a COE by mail?
VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility. Surviving spouses use VA Form 26-1817 or 21P-534EZ instead.
Does the COE show whether I pay the funding fee?
Yes. The COE shows your funding fee status, including if you are exempt.
Sources
- VA.gov: how to request a COE
- VA.gov: eligibility requirements
- VA Home Loan Guaranty Buyer's Guide (PDF)
This page is educational and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates can change, so confirm the details with the VA and your lender.