Eligibility
How to get your VA Certificate of Eligibility
Short answer
The fastest way to get a Certificate of Eligibility is to ask your lender, which can often pull it online through VA's system in minutes. You can also request it yourself at VA.gov with VA Form 26-1880, or by mail. Have your DD214 ready if you are a veteran, or a statement of service signed by your commander if you are still serving.
Three ways to request it
- Through your lender. Most VA lenders can request your COE online. If your records are complete, it can come back the same day.
- Online at VA.gov. Sign in and complete the Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880). You can check its status online.
- By mail. Send VA Form 26-1880 and your documents to the VA regional loan center listed on the form.
What to have ready
| You are | Document VA asks for |
|---|---|
| Veteran | DD214 showing character of service and narrative reason for separation |
| Active-duty service member | Statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer, with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, entry date, duty status and any lost time |
| Current Guard or Reserve member | Statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer |
| Discharged Guard or Reserve, never activated | Retirement points statement and proof of honorable service |
| Surviving spouse receiving DIC | Apply with VA Form 26-1817; include the veteran’s DD214 and marriage license if you do not get DIC |
What the COE tells your lender
Terms like entitlement and DIC are defined in our glossary.
The certificate shows whether you have full entitlement, how much entitlement you have used, and whether you are exempt from the funding fee. That last line matters. If you receive VA disability compensation, check that the COE shows the exemption before closing, or you could pay a fee you do not owe. See the funding fee page.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a VA COE?
Through a lender it is often available the same day. Requests that need manual review, such as Guard and Reserve service or missing records, take longer.
Do I need a COE before I talk to a lender?
No. Most lenders request it for you during pre-approval.
Does a COE expire?
No. A COE does not expire, but your available entitlement changes if you use the benefit.
Sources
What will your VA funding fee be?
Enter a price and down payment to see the 2026 fee, or check whether you are exempt.
An independent guide. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and not a lender. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.