Skip to contentNerdwallet icon

How to Get a VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility

The quickest way to get a VA certificate of eligibility is usually to ask a VA-approved lender to obtain it for you.

Taylor Getler
Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
Michelle Blackford
Updated
SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED

This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

The VA certificate of eligibility is a document that tells a lender you meet the military service or surviving spouse requirements to get a VA home loan.
You can start shopping for VA loans without a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but you’ll need one before the home loan can close.

Mortgage loans from our partners

NBKC

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

New American Funding

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

GO Mortgage

on GO Mortgage

GO Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

COMPARE MORE LENDERS
» MORE: Learn about VA loan requirements

Requesting a certificate of eligibility

If you’re an eligible active-duty military member, veteran or National Guard or Reserve member, you can get a COE by:
The quickest way is often through a VA-approved lender. Most VA mortgage lenders have access to an internet-based application that can issue a certificate of eligibility on the spot if there’s sufficient information in the system's database.
That capability can simplify and expedite the process for many VA borrowers, says Kevin Parker, vice president of field mortgage originations at Navy Federal Credit Union.
» MORE: See the best VA mortgage lenders
Surviving spouses who are currently receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) can download a “request for determination of loan guarantee eligibility” form and take it to a lender for processing, according to the VA website. You will also need DD Form 214 discharge documents (if available).
Surviving spouses who aren't receiving DIC will need VA Form 21P-534EZ (application for DIC, death pension and accrued benefits), a copy of your marriage license and the veteran’s death certificate.

What you need to get a VA COE

In many cases, lenders can get the certificate of eligibility through the VA database simply by entering the borrower’s personal information.
But in some instances, a document, such as a copy of a veteran’s discharge or separation papers, is needed for verification, Parker says. In that case, a lender could send the required documents on the borrower’s behalf for the VA to process the request.
The documents you may need to show to get a certificate of eligibility depend on whether you’re a veteran, service member, current or discharged National Guard or Reserve member. Here’s what the VA website says you need.

Documents needed to determine VA loan eligibility

Service status
Documents
Veteran
DD Form 214 (discharge or separation papers).
Service member
Statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer.
Current or former activated National Guard or Reserve member
DD Form 214 (discharge or separation papers), an annual point statement or DD Form 220 with accompanying orders.
Current National Guard or Reserve member who has never been activated
Statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer.
Discharged National Guard member who was never activated
NGB Form 22 (report of separation and service record) for each service period and NGB Form 23 (annual retirement points statement and proof of character of service).
Discharged Reserve member who was never activated
Your most recent annual retirement points statement and proof of honorable service.
Surviving spouse of a service member who died on active duty or had a service-connected disability
If you’re receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DD Form 214 discharge documents (if available) and VA Form 26-1817 (request for determination of loan guarantee eligibility — unmarried surviving spouses). If you’re not receiving DIC: VA Form 21P-534EZ (application for DIC, death pension and accrued benefits), a copy of your marriage license and the veteran’s death certificate.
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

Entitlement and loan limits

You may see a line on your certificate of eligibility that says your entitlement is $36,000. This is because of VA rules that guarantee they will pay part of your loan balance back to the lender if you default. If your loan is under $144,000, the VA promises to pay the lender up to $36,000. If your loan is over $144,000, the VA will pay up to 25% of the loan amount. These numbers don’t have any bearing on your borrowing limit.
Explore more on
How to Move in 2026Mortgages
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
    Back to top
    Related articles
    Best Mortgage Lenders roundup
    Best Mortgage Lenders
    Georgia Rose's profile picture
    By Georgia Rose
    all-the-types-of-mortgages-explained-in-a-flash
    5 Types of Mortgage Loans for Buyers and Refinancers
    Kate Wood's profile picture
    By Kate Wood
    Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
    Kate Wood's profile picture
    By Kate Wood