Housing & home loans
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirms to a lender that you qualify for the VA home loan benefit. It is one step in the loan process.
Who may qualify
Service and other requirements apply. A COE is not a loan approval: a lender still reviews credit, income, and the property.
Before you begin
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Your next steps
Check your service-document requirements
VA lists different documents for veterans, active-duty members, Guard and Reserve members, and eligible surviving spouses.
Request your COE
Apply online, ask your lender whether they can request it, or follow VA’s mail instructions.
Review the rest of the loan process
Discuss the loan type, fees, and underwriting requirements with the lender. A VA appraisal is not a home inspection.
After you take the first step
Keep your COE and work with your lender on the remaining steps. Ask for a clear explanation of costs, the appraisal, the inspection, and the documents needed before closing.
Questions from the field
Can a lender request my COE?
Many lenders can obtain a COE through VA’s system. Ask your lender whether this option is available for your request; VA also provides online and mail instructions.
Which service records should I prepare?
The documents depend on your status and service. VA lists separate requirements for veterans, active-duty members, Guard and Reserve members, and surviving spouses.
Program details: VA: Request a home loan Certificate of Eligibility ↗