VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
What a COE is, how to request one, and the documents you need for your type of service.
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At a glance
- Shows you meet VA service requirements
- Request online, through a lender or by mail
- Documents depend on your service
- Not a loan approval
Talk with a licensed loan officer
Questions, answered
What is a VA Certificate of Eligibility?
It's the document that shows a lender you qualify for the VA home loan benefit based on your service. It doesn't approve you for a loan. You still have to meet credit, income and occupancy standards.
How long does it take to get a COE?
The VA doesn't publish a set time. Most lenders can use a VA online system that can issue a COE in seconds, but not every case can go through it. Mail requests may take longer.
Do I need my COE before I talk to a lender?
No. In most cases your lender can request it for you through VA's online system.
Do surviving spouses use the same form?
No. If you receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, you use VA Form 26-1817. If you don't, you apply through a VA Compensation and Pension office with a different set of documents.
What if my discharge wasn't honorable?
You may not be eligible, but you can apply and the VA will review your service records. You can also apply for a discharge upgrade or ask for a VA Character of Discharge review.
Can I use my benefit again after a past VA loan?
You may be able to. You can ask the VA to restore your entitlement with VA Form 26-1880 if you sold the home and paid the loan in full, if a qualified Veteran assumed the loan and substituted their entitlement, or one time if you repaid the loan and kept the home.
More answers in the FLO Mortgage VA FAQ.
Three ways to request your COE
- Through your lender. Most lenders have access to a VA online system. It can issue a COE in seconds in many cases, but not all.
- Online. You can request it yourself through VA.gov and check the status there.
- By mail. Send VA Form 26-1880 to the regional loan center listed on the last page of the form.
Documents you may need
The VA asks for different proof depending on your service. If the VA already has your records, you may need less.
| Veterans | DD Form 214 showing your character of service and narrative reason for separation |
|---|---|
| Active-duty service members | A current statement of service signed by or at the direction of your adjutant, personnel office or commander |
| Current Guard or Reserve, never activated | A statement of service that also shows your total creditable years |
| Activated Guard | A DD214 or other discharge documents. For at least 90 days of active duty including 30 consecutive days: a DD214 showing the qualifying activation, an annual point statement, or a DD220 with orders |
| Activated Reserve | A DD214 or other discharge documents |
| Discharged Guard, never activated | NGB Form 22 for each period of service, NGB Form 23, and proof of your character of service |
| Discharged Selected Reserve, never activated | Your latest annual retirement points statement and evidence of honorable service |
| Surviving spouse receiving DIC | VA Form 26-1817, plus the Veteran's DD214 if available |
| Surviving spouse not receiving DIC | A survivor benefits application (VA lists Form 21P-534EZ), the Veteran's DD214 if available, your marriage license and the death certificate |
Not sure you meet the service minimum? Try the eligibility walkthrough. Only the VA makes the final decision.
After you have your COE
Your COE covers the service part. Your lender still reviews your credit and income, and the lender requests a VA appraisal of the home. See the full VA loan requirements and the VA home buying roadmap.
Used a VA loan before? Read about entitlement and second VA loans.
Sources: VA.gov how to apply, VA Certificate of Eligibility and VA.gov eligibility.
More VA loan guides
- VA home loans overview
- VA loan questions, answered
- VA loan tools and calculators
- VA loan requirements
- How a VA loan works
- VA home buying roadmap
- VA loans for first-time buyers
- VA loans for active duty
- VA loans for Guard and Reserve
- VA appraisals and property requirements
- VA closing costs and seller concessions
- VA occupancy rules
- VA entitlement and second VA loans
- Assumable VA loans
- VA condos and property types
- Disabled veteran property tax exemptions
- VA streamline refinance (IRRRL)
- VA cash-out refinance
- VA funding fee exemption
- VA loans for surviving spouses
- VA residual income explained
- VA loans after bankruptcy or foreclosure
This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, property eligibility and program availability. Lender requirements may be stricter than the program guidelines described here. Not all applicants will qualify. Figures reflect 2026 VA guidelines and may change without notice. FLO Mortgage, LLC, company NMLS #1835856. Licensed mortgage lender in Florida (MLD2621), Georgia and Tennessee. Equal Housing Opportunity. FLO Mortgage is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Licensing & Disclosures.
Local, licensed help
Talk a VA loan through with a FLO loan officer
Every FLO Mortgage loan officer can walk you through this program, run the numbers for your situation and compare it with your other options. Have questions? Call our main office at (386) 882-9980.
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