A house is one of the biggest purchases most people make. Even a sliver of a difference on the interest rate or fees can save you thousands of dollars. That’s why, if you’re eligible, you should absolutely consider a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

VA loans tend to come with lower interest rates and they allow for a 0% down payment. They don’t require mortgage insurance and the VA caps how much lenders can charge in fees. In short, they’re often the most affordable way to finance your purchase of a house.

To get a VA loan, though, you need one important piece of paperwork: your certificate of eligibility (COE). 

Can you get a COE?

In order to get a COE, you need to fit specific parameters the VA lays out. 

If you served with the U.S. military, you’re typically a candidate for a certificate of eligibility if you served for:

• 90 days in wartime
• 181 days in peacetime

If you didn’t meet the required length of time but you sustained a service-related disability or were discharged, you might still be able to get a COE. 

If you served with the National Guard or the Reserves, you can likely get a COE if you saw at least 90 consecutive days of non-training active-duty service. 

Spouses are also eligible for VA loans if they’re currently married to an eligible veteran or service member, or if their eligible spouse passed away while in service and they haven’t remarried. They might also be able to get a COE if they’re eligible for or currently getting VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

This is a very broad overview. To get a better idea of when you might be able to get a certificate of eligibility for a VA loan, use our guide. 

What paperwork you need for your certificate of eligibility

If you can get a COE, actually securing the paperwork requires you to have proof of your service. Here’s a quick overview of what you need:

• Veterans: A copy of your discharge or separation papers (DD214)
• Active-duty service members: A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer
• Current or former activated National Guard and Reserve members: Your DD214 or other discharge documents
• Current members of the National Guard or Reserve who have never been activated: A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer
• Discharged members of the National Guard who were never activated: Your Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22) for each period of National Guard service and your Retirement Points Statement (NGB Form 23) and proof of the character of service
• Discharged members of the Reserve who were never activated: A copy of your latest annual retirement points and proof of your honorable service
• Surviving spouses: Your veteran’s DD214 and:
  
  • If you already receive DIC: A completed Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility—Unmarried Surviving Spouses (VA Form 26-1817)
  • If you don’t receive DIC: A completed Application for DIC, Death Pension and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ); a copy of your marriage license; and your veteran’s death certificate

Once you have the paperwork you’ll need handy, you’re ready to get your COE. 

Three ways to get a VA loan certificate of eligibility

You have a few options for actually securing the COE you’ll need to work with a VA lender and get your home loan. 

#1: Online

Generally, the fastest way to get your certificate of eligibility is through the VA’s online process. To get started, go to this COE request webpage from the VA and scroll down to the blue button that says, “Sign in to start your request.” You’ll need to use your ID.me or Login.gov account, or set one up if you haven’t already. 

Once you’re logged in, you can request your COE. 

Sometimes, the VA already has all the information they need to issue you a COE automatically. In that case, you should be able to pull up this certificate instantly.  

If you can’t get an automatic COE, submit a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility. The VA aims to respond to those requests within an average of five business days. 

In addition to the possibility for an automatic COE, going the online route makes it easy to stay informed. You can always log into your account to check the progress of your request. 

#2: By mail

If you’re not in a hurry and you prefer to do things offline, you can request your COE by mailing in the required form: the Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880). 

You can download and print that form on this VA webpage. Click where it says “Download VA Form 26-1880 (PDF)” under the “Downloadable PDF” heading. 

Once you’ve completed it, mail it to your regional VA loan office. Those address are on the last page of the form. 

#3: Through a lender

The VA runs an Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) system that lenders can access. If you’re working with a VA-approved lender (meaning they’re able to offer VA loans), they should be able to use the WebLGY application, which has ACE functionality. This way, the VA lender can request your COE on your behalf. 

One thing to consider here, though, is that you’ll get the best deal on your VA loan if you compare offers from multiple lenders. So you don’t necessarily want to have your certificate of eligibility tied up in one specific system. If you’re going to have a lender get this piece of paperwork for you, make sure you can get your own copy of it. 

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The VA’s support line can help you if you want support in figuring out your eligibility for a COE or requesting one. You can call (877) 827-3702 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET.

Once you have your COE, you’re ready to start exploring your VA loan options. We’ve got you covered with live tables showing the latest VA mortgage rates.