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How To Get A VA Certificate Of Eligibility?
By Stephanie Colestock MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
One of the first steps toward getting a home mortgage loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is to obtain a VA certificate of eligibility, also known as a COE. A COE is a letter that confirms your overall loan eligibility and tells a lender how much of your VA loan entitlement remains. This effectively gives you your personal VA loan limits, if any apply.
There are a few different ways for a VA loan COE to be obtained prior to qualifying for a home mortgage loan. Here’s a look at how you can get a VA COE and what to expect from the application process.
- Where can you get a VA certificate of eligibility (COE)?
- What do you need to get a VA certificate of eligibility?
- How can you check the status of your VA COE?
- When are you not eligible for a VA certificate of eligibility (COE)?
- How to get a VA certificate of eligibility FAQs
Where can you get a VA certificate of eligibility (COE)?
If you’ve never taken out a VA loan before, you may find yourself wondering, “Where (and how) do I get my VA certificate of eligibility?” This letter is an important initial step in the VA loan process, as it confirms whether you’re eligible for a VA loan and, if so, how much the VA is willing to guarantee for your lender.
Without a COE in hand, you won’t know how much you can borrow without a down payment and you won’t be able to qualify for a VA loan. To avoid this scenario, there are three ways you can obtain your COE from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Online
You’re able to quickly request your most up-to-date COE online through the eBenefits portal. Accessing your information on eBenefits can be done by logging in with either your Premium DS Logon, an ID.me login, or a LOGIN.GOV account.
If you don’t have any of these, you can sign up through the partner of your choice by visiting the AccessVA login page and choosing your preferred platform.
With a lender
If you don’t want to log in to initiate a COE request, your lender may also be able to do so on your behalf.
If your VA-approved lender has access to the Web LGY or Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) online system, they can submit a request for your certificate of eligibility and remaining entitlement statement, often getting results in a matter of seconds. They can then use this letter, as part of your loan application and underwriting process, to determine whether you’ll meet the lender’s eligibility requirements for a home loan.
Not all VA loan cases can be processed through Web LGY; if the VA doesn’t have sufficient information in your file, they won’t be able to issue an instant COE. Additionally, while most VA loan lenders have access to the platform, not all do. Be sure to ask your potential mortgage lender if requesting an online COE is an option for you.
By mail
If you’d rather request your VA COE by mail, you can do so by filling out VA Form 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility. To fill out this form, you’ll need information on your dates of military service and any prior VA loans you’ve taken out, if applicable.
This form should be mailed to your regional loan center. There are nine to choose from, depending on where you live; the last page of the Form 26-1880 packet will tell you which regional center to choose.
As you may expect, requesting a COE by mail will take longer than obtaining the letter online. Be sure to factor this potential wait into your homebuying timeline.
What do you need to get a VA certificate of eligibility?
In order to obtain a new VA COE, there are some important documents you may need to provide or have on hand.
| Status | Documents |
| Veteran | Copy of discharge or separation papers (DD214) |
| Active-duty service member | Statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer |
| National Guard member | Copy of DD214 or other discharge documents. |
| Reserve member | Copy of DD214 or other discharge documents. |
| Current member of the National Guard or Reserve | Statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer |
| Discharged member of the National Guard |
|
| Discharged member of the Reserve |
|
| Surviving spouse of a veteran | Veteran’s discharge documents (DD214) |
You will also need to supply personal information such as your date of birth, Social Security number, address, and contact info. If you are an eligible surviving spouse, you may need to have the deceased servicemember’s death certificate, as well.
How can you check the status of your VA COE?
When you request a COE online through eBenefits or through a lender with the Web LGY online platform, the process can take just seconds to complete. However, in some cases, the VA may not have sufficient information in your file or your lender won’t be able to process a request on your behalf. In this case, you may need to submit documentation and wait for your letter.
If you mail a COE request to your regional loan office, you must wait for the request to be processed. This can take between four to six weeks, on average. If you’re interested in the current status of your VA COE, you can contact your regional loan office for more information.
When are you not eligible for a VA certificate of eligibility (COE)?
Not all military service members, veterans, or unmarried surviving spouses will be eligible for a VA-backed home mortgage loan.
If you’re eligible for a VA-secured loan, but have already used your entitlement on a home purchase and not had your VA home loan benefit reinstated, you’ll receive a COE with either a remaining entitlement amount or $0. However, if you aren’t eligible for a VA loan at all, you won’t be able to get a COE issued at all.
Some instances where you aren’t eligible for a VA certificate of eligibility include if you:
- Did not serve in the military for at least 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime
- Were dishonorably discharged from military service
- Are a surviving spouse of a veteran but have remarried
There are some exceptions to these, including if you were discharged early due to a service-related disability or remarried after age 57.
How to get a VA certificate of eligibility FAQs
Why would a VA COE be denied?
A VA loan certificate of eligibility request may be denied if you don't qualify for a VA-guaranteed home loan. This can occur if you don't meet the VA's military service requirements, were dishonorably discharged from service, or are a surviving spouse who has since remarried.
Can you apply for a COE when you don't meet all the requirements?
You may still be able to submit a request for a COE, even if you don't meet all of the VA loan requirements. This is especially true if you are submitting a request via mail. However, if you're not eligible for VA loan benefits and don't qualify for a COE, your request will be denied.
How long does it take to get a VA loan certificate of eligibility?
If you request a VA loan COE online — either through eBenefits or a lender's Web LGY portal — your results can take just a few minutes to receive. If you submit your request by mail, it can often take between four and six weeks to receive your COE letter from your regional VA loan office.
Is it possible to appeal your VA COE denial?
If your VA certificate of eligibility request is denied, it means that the VA believes you are not eligible for VA-guaranteed home loan benefits. If you think this determination is incorrect, though, you can appeal the decision through the VA by filing a supplemental claim (if you have additional information that supports your request), requesting a higher-level review, or appealing to the Veterans' Board of Appeals for a hearing.
Summary of our guide explaining how to get a VA certificate of eligibility
Whatever your homebuying process — whether you prefer to find the right VA lender, find your perfect home, or gather information and VA loan tips first — getting a certificate of eligibility is a mandatory first step toward taking out a VA-guaranteed home loan. For eligible borrowers, this letter spells out exactly how much of your VA loan entitlement remains, if any, and gives lenders the guarantee that your new VA home loan will be secured by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can get this letter in just minutes online by submitting a request or having your lender do so. Requests can also be submitted by mail but may take several weeks to receive.
Stephanie Colestock is a DC-based personal finance writer with nearly 11 years of freelance writing experience. She covers a wide range of finance-related topics and is currently working toward her CFP®️ certification. Her work appears on sites such as Business Insider, MSN, Fox Business, CNET, Investopedia, and more.