How to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

What a COE is

The Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, is a one-page document from VA. It tells a lender that you meet the service rules for a VA home loan. It also shows your basic entitlement, any prior VA loans charged to your entitlement, and whether you are exempt from the funding fee. Lenders need it before they can close your loan.

Getting a COE is free. Nobody should charge you to request one.

Three ways to get it

1. Through your lender (fastest for most people)

Most VA lenders can request your COE through VA's online system in a few minutes. If VA's records can confirm your service, the certificate comes back right away. If not, the lender can upload your documents, and VA will review them. This is the path most buyers use because it fits right into the preapproval.

2. Online at VA.gov

You can sign in to VA.gov and request your COE yourself. This is a good choice if you want to check your eligibility before you talk to any lender. You can also check the status of your request online.

3. By mail

Fill out VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to the regional loan center listed on the form. Mail takes longer, so use it only if the other two options do not work for you.

What documents you need

What you send depends on your service history:

• Veterans: Your DD214 showing the character of service.
• Active-duty service members: A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer. It should list your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, date you entered duty, any lost time, and the command giving the statement.
• Guard or Reserve members who were activated: Your DD214 or other discharge papers. Guard members using the Title 32 path also need proof of activation, such as a DD214 showing the right section, an annual points statement, or a DD220 with orders.
• Guard or Reserve members still serving who were never activated: A signed statement of service that lists your total creditable years.
• Discharged Guard members never activated: NGB Form 22 for each period of service, NGB Form 23, and proof of character of service.
• Discharged Reserve members never activated: Your latest annual retirement points statement and proof of honorable service.
• Surviving spouses receiving DIC: VA Form 26-1817 and the Veteran's DD214 if you have it.
• Surviving spouses not receiving DIC: VA Form 21P-534EZ, a copy of your marriage license, the Veteran's death certificate and the DD214 if available. This goes to the Pension Intake Center first.

Step by step: get your COE

1. Pick your path: lender, VA.gov or mail.
2. Gather your documents from the list above. Make clear copies.
3. Submit the request. If a lender is doing it, give them your documents and Social Security number.
4. Check the result. Make sure your name, entitlement and funding fee status are correct.
5. Fix any errors. If your COE shows a prior loan you already paid off and sold, ask about restoring that entitlement. If you are exempt from the funding fee but the COE does not say so, ask VA to update it before closing.

Reading your COE

Look for three things. Entitlement code and amount shows your basic entitlement, usually $36,000. Prior loans charged lists any VA loans still tying up your entitlement. Funding fee status says whether you are exempt. If you have a disability claim pending, tell your lender; if a rating comes through before closing, it may change your status.

A COE is only the first step

A COE does not mean you are approved for a loan. The lender still checks your credit, income, debts and the home's appraisal. But getting your COE early removes one surprise and lets you shop with confidence.