Request a home-loan Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, tells the lender whether VA recognizes your home-loan benefit eligibility.
Who this program may help
Qualifying service or a qualifying surviving-spouse situation is required. VA reviews eligibility; a COE does not approve a loan.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Choose the home-loan program
VA-backed loans and Native American Direct Loans have different processes.
Read the program and service eligibility requirements before requesting a COE.
Why this matters
The COE is only one part of obtaining a loan.
Official action:
Read COE requirements and methodsVA determines home-loan benefit eligibility.
Official references
2. Match service documents to your situation
Required evidence differs by service status.
Use DD214, a signed statement of service, or the applicable Guard/Reserve service and points documents.
Why this matters
VA needs evidence of the qualifying service.
Documents for this step
- DD214 or other separation documents
Discharged or activated service, as described by VA
conditional - Signed statement of service
Current service when VA’s instructions require it
conditional - Guard or Reserve service and points records
Nonactivated Guard or Reserve service
conditional
VA may request more service evidence.
Official references
3. Use the surviving-spouse instructions when applicable
A surviving-spouse request can need a different application.
If receiving DIC, read VA Form 26-1817 instructions. Otherwise follow VA’s listed survivor application and evidence requirements.
Why this matters
Do not assume VA Form 26-1880 fits every survivor.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 26-1817 — Request a surviving-spouse home-loan COE
Qualifying surviving spouse receiving DIC
conditional - VA Form 21P-534EZ — Apply for DIC, Survivors Pension or accrued benefits
Surviving-spouse circumstances specified by VA
conditional - Marriage document and death certificate
Survivor application when required
conditional
VA reviews the surviving-spouse eligibility request.
Official references
4. Choose online, lender or mail request
Your lender may be able to obtain the COE through VA.
Request online, ask your lender, or mail VA Form 26-1880 to the regional loan center listed on the form.
Why this matters
Use the loan-center destination rather than a general claims address.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 26-1880 — Request a home-loan Certificate of Eligibility
Paper COE request for the applicable applicant
alternative
Official action:
Continue to VA to request a COEKeep the request receipt or the lender’s confirmation.
VA reviews and communicates its COE decision.
Official references
5. Continue the loan process with the lender
Credit, income, appraisal and closing are separate decisions.
Read the COE result and ask the lender about the remaining loan requirements.
Why this matters
A VA appraisal is not a home inspection.
The lender reviews underwriting and property information.