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
Bella Angelos
Chris Jennings
Updated
The VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) 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 COE from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but you’ll need one before the home loan can close.

Mortgage loans from our partners

NBKC

at NBKC

NBKC
4.5
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

New American Funding

at New American Funding

New American Funding
4.0
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

N/A

Min. down payment

0%

GO Mortgage

at 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 COE 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.
» 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 guaranty 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).
If you’re not receiving DIC, you’ll have to gather a few documents. These include VA Form 21P-534EZ (an application to claim DIC, death pension and accrued benefits), plus 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 pull your COE directly from the VA database using your personal information.
Sometimes the VA needs extra verification, such as a copy of discharge or separation papers. In that case, your lender can submit those documents to the VA on your behalf.
The documents you ultimately need depend on your service status. This includes veterans, active-duty service members, and current or former National Guard or Reserve members. Here’s what the VA requires.

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, Survivors Pension, and/or 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 reflects a VA guarantee: if you default, the VA repays part of your loan balance to the lender.
If your loan is…
Under $144,000: The VA promises to pay the lender up to $36,000.
Over $144,000: The VA generally guarantees up to 25% of the loan amount for veterans with full entitlement. For veterans with only partial or remaining entitlement, the available guaranty is calculated differently and is based on the county loan limit where your home is located minus any previously used entitlement.
These numbers don’t affect your borrowing limit.
» MORE: How VA loan limits work and when they apply to you
Explore more on
How to Move in 2026Mortgages
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