Your VA Certificate of Eligibility

What the COE is

The Certificate of Eligibility is a VA document that confirms your service meets the requirements for a VA-backed loan and shows your entitlement. Lenders need it before closing. It also shows whether you are exempt from the funding fee.

Three ways to get it

• Through your lender. I can usually request it for you through VA’s system once I have your service information.
• Online. Request it on VA.gov with a signed-in account.
• By mail. Send VA Form 26-1880 with your proof of service.

What proof of service you may need

• Veterans: your DD Form 214 showing the character of service
• Active-duty service members: a statement of service from your personnel office or commander showing your name, entry date and duration of lost time
• National Guard and Reserve members: proof of your service and your discharge or current status, such as a retirement points statement or other documents VA lists
• Surviving spouses: VA Form 26-1880 and documents VA requests

Document lists change. VA decides what it needs for your situation.

Who generally qualifies

VA rules look at length and type of service. As a general guide, many borrowers qualify with 90 days of active service during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, six years in the National Guard or Reserves, or as the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty. Other cases exist. See the VA loan requirements page and ask me about yours.

COE questions

Start here

Send me your branch and service dates and I will start the COE request.

Many veterans pay no funding fee

Veterans who receive VA disability compensation, Purple Heart recipients on active duty, and certain surviving spouses are exempt from the VA funding fee. On a typical loan that can save thousands of dollars. Your Certificate of Eligibility shows whether you qualify. See the funding fee guide or call or text me and I will check for you.