Your Golden Ticket: The VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and How to Get One

For active-duty service members, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses, the VA home loan is an unparalleled benefit, offering incredible advantages like no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance. But before you can unlock these benefits and embark on your homeownership journey, there’s one crucial document you’ll need: the VA Certificate of Eligibility, commonly known as the COE.

At VeteransLoans.com, we often hear questions about the COE – what it is, what information it contains, and how to get one. We’re here to demystify this essential document and show you just how easy it can be to secure your COE and take the first step towards buying your home.

What is a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

Simply put, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that verifies your eligibility for a VA home loan benefit. It’s the VA’s way of confirming that you meet the minimum military service requirements to qualify for a VA-backed mortgage.

Think of it as your “golden ticket.” While it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be approved for a loan (lenders still need to assess your credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio), it does confirm that you’ve cleared the primary hurdle regarding your service history. Lenders rely on the COE to ensure that the loan they are providing can be guaranteed by the VA, which is what allows them to offer such favorable terms.

Why Do You Need a COE?

The VA guarantees a portion of every VA loan. This guarantee protects the lender if the borrower defaults, which in turn allows lenders to offer the unique benefits of the VA loan program. The COE serves as proof to the lender that you are an eligible borrower and that the VA will stand behind the loan.

Without a valid COE, you cannot obtain a VA loan. It’s a fundamental requirement for both purchase and most refinance VA loans.

What Does a VA COE Detail?

While seemingly a simple document, your COE contains several key pieces of information that are vital to your loan application:

• Your Name and Social Security Number: Basic identifying information to link the COE to you.
• VA Reference Number: A unique identifier for your certificate.
• Branch of Service: Indicates which branch of the military you served in.
• Entitlement Code: This is a crucial detail. The VA uses a series of codes to designate the basis of your eligibility, often relating to specific periods of service (e.g., World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, or Selected Reserves). For example, Entitlement Code 10 is commonly seen for those who served during the Gulf War era (August 2, 1990, to present). If you’ve used your VA loan benefit before and it’s been restored, you might see Entitlement Code 05.
• Available VA Loan Entitlement: This is arguably the most important detail. Your entitlement is the amount the VA will guarantee to the lender. For eligible Veterans with full entitlement, there are typically no loan limits. However, if you’ve used your VA loan benefit before and haven’t fully restored your entitlement (e.g., you still own a home purchased with a VA loan), your COE will show how much entitlement remains available. This remaining entitlement, combined with current VA loan limits (which vary by county), determines how much you can borrow without a down payment.
• Prior VA Loans Charged to Entitlement: If you’ve used your VA loan benefit before, this section will detail the amount of entitlement that is currently “charged” or in use on any previous VA loans you’ve obtained. This helps determine your remaining entitlement.
• VA Funding Fee Exemption Status: The COE will clearly state whether you are exempt from paying the VA funding fee. Veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, as well as certain surviving spouses, are typically exempt from this fee. This can lead to significant savings on your loan.
• Special Conditions Tied to Eligibility: In some cases, the COE might include specific conditions related to your eligibility.

Understanding these details on your COE can help you better grasp your VA loan benefit and discuss your options more effectively with your lender.

Who is Eligible for a VA COE?

Eligibility for a VA Certificate of Eligibility is based on your service history and duty status. The requirements vary depending on when you served and whether you’re a Veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, or an eligible surviving spouse.

Here’s a general overview of the most common eligibility criteria:

• Veterans:
  • Wartime Service: At least 90 consecutive days of active duty service during wartime periods (e.g., WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War).
  • Peacetime Service: At least 181 days of continuous active duty service during peacetime periods.
  • Minimum Service for Post-9/11: If you entered service after September 7, 1980 (or October 16, 1981, for officers), you generally need 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which you were called to active duty (with some exceptions).
  • Discharge: Must have received an honorable discharge.
• Active-Duty Service Members:
  • Generally, at least 90 continuous days of active service.
• National Guard and Reserve Members:
  • Generally, six years of honorable service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard.
  • May also qualify with at least 90 days of active service under Title 10 orders (with at least 30 consecutive days) during wartime periods.
• Eligible Surviving Spouses:
  • Unremarried spouses of Veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.
  • Spouses of service members who were missing in action or prisoners of war (MIA/POW) for certain periods.
  • Note: There are specific conditions and requirements for surviving spouses, including dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) benefits. You can find more information on VA loan benefits for eligible surviving spouses on our blog.

It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines, and the VA does have specific requirements and exceptions. For detailed eligibility criteria, it’s always best to consult the official VA website or speak directly with a VA loan specialist.

How to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

The good news is that obtaining your COE is often simpler than you might think, and in many cases, you don’t even need to have it in hand before you start your VA loan application process!

There are generally three main ways to get your COE:

1. Through Your VA-Approved Lender (Easiest and Most Common Method)

This is by far the most convenient and common way for most Veterans and service members to get their COE. As a VA-approved lender, VeteransLoans.com can typically obtain your COE for you directly through the VA’s automated system (WebLGY).

How it works:

• When you start your VA loan application with us, our loan specialists will ask for some basic information, such as your Social Security number and date of birth.
• With your permission, we can then access the VA’s system and often retrieve your COE within minutes.
• This streamlined process means you don’t have to navigate VA websites or mail in forms yourself, allowing you to focus on finding your dream home.

This method is highly recommended as it integrates seamlessly with your loan application, preventing delays. Our goal is to make your VA loan experience as smooth as possible, and obtaining your COE for you is just one way we do that. Call us at 1 (888) 232-1428 to speak with a loan specialist today!

2. Apply Online Through the VA’s eBenefits Portal

If you prefer to get your COE yourself, the VA’s eBenefits portal is the fastest online option.

How it works:

• Visit the VA’s eBenefits website (ebenefits.va.gov) or the main VA.gov site.
• You’ll need a verified account (such as Login.gov or ID.me) to sign in. If you don’t have one, you can create and verify your identity through the VA’s secure portal.
• Once logged in, navigate to the “Housing” or “Home Loan” section.
• You may be able to get an automatic COE instantly if the VA has all the necessary information.
• If not, you can fill out and submit an online application (VA Form 26-1880, “Request for a Certificate of Eligibility”).
• You might need to upload supporting documents, such as your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), Statement of Service (for active-duty members), or National Guard/Reserve retirement points statements. You can learn more about the DD Form 214 and why you need it for a VA loan on our blog.
• The VA will process your request, and you can typically view and download your COE once it’s issued.

3. Apply by Mail

While generally the slowest method, applying by mail is an option if online access is not feasible or preferred.

How it works:

• Download and complete VA Form 26-1880, “Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan Benefits.”
• Gather all required supporting documentation based on your service status (e.g., DD Form 214, Statement of Service, NGB Form 22/23 for National Guard).
• Mail the completed form and documents to the appropriate VA Regional Loan Center as indicated on the form’s instructions.
• Processing times for mailed requests can be significantly longer than electronic methods, potentially taking several weeks.

What Documentation Do You Need to Get a COE (Depending on Your Status)?

While your lender can often pull your COE with just your Social Security number and date of birth, in some cases, or if you apply directly, you may need to provide specific documentation:

• Veterans (Separated from Service):
  • DD Form 214: This is your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and is the primary document needed to prove your service.
• Active-Duty Service Members:
  • Statement of Service: A signed statement from your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer. This statement should include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, date entered duty, the length of any lost time, and the name of the command providing the information.
• National Guard and Reserve Members:
  • NGB Form 22 or DD Form 214: If activated for federal service.
  • NGB Form 23 or annual retirement points statements: For those with six years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard who were not activated.
  • Evidence of honorable service.
• Surviving Spouses:
  • VA Form 26-1817: Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility – Unmarried Surviving Spouses.
  • Veteran’s death certificate.
  • Veteran’s discharge papers (DD214), if available.
  • Proof of receipt of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits.

What Happens After You Get Your COE?

Once you have your COE, whether directly from the VA or obtained by your VeteransLoans.com specialist, you’ve successfully navigated the first critical step! The COE confirms your military service eligibility for the VA loan benefit.

However, getting your COE is not the final step for loan approval. You’ll still need to meet the lender’s credit, income, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio requirements. The property you wish to purchase must also meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) and pass a VA appraisal.

This is where working with an experienced VA lender like VeteransLoans.com becomes invaluable. Our team will take your COE and then guide you through the remaining steps of the VA loan process, including:

• Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval: We’ll review your finances to determine your buying power and issue a pre-approval letter, strengthening your offer to sellers.
• Home Search: With a clear understanding of your budget and VA requirements, you can confidently search for homes.
• Application and Underwriting: We’ll help you complete the full loan application and submit it for underwriting, where your financial profile is thoroughly reviewed.
• Appraisal and Inspections: We’ll facilitate the VA appraisal and any necessary inspections.
• Closing: Once all conditions are met, we’ll guide you through the closing process.

From helping you secure your COE to handing you the keys to your new home, we are dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive experience for our nation’s heroes.

Ready to Unlock Your VA Loan Benefits?

The VA Certificate of Eligibility is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to your service and the gateway to one of the most powerful home loan benefits available. Don’t let questions about the COE hold you back from achieving your homeownership dreams.

At VeteransLoans.com, we specialize in VA loans and have the expertise to make the COE process simple and efficient for you. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to use your VA benefit again, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Take the first proactive step toward homeownership today!

• Get Pre-Qualified Online: Visit our secure pre-qualification page at veteransloans.com/prequalify to get started. It’s a quick and easy way to understand your options, and we can often retrieve your COE automatically.
• Speak with a VA Loan Specialist: For personalized assistance and answers to all your questions, call us directly at 1 (888) 232-1428. Our team is ready to help you navigate the process and maximize your earned benefits.

Your service has opened the door to homeownership. Let us help you walk through it.