Home & other benefits
How to get your VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, documents VA home loan eligibility for your lender. It does not replace the lender’s credit, income, or property review.
Ways to request your COE
VA offers an online request process. A lender may also be able to request a COE through VA’s system. A paper application is another option. Use the official instructions for your service category because required documents vary.
Veterans commonly need discharge or separation information. Active-duty members may need a current statement of service. National Guard, Reserve, and surviving-spouse requests can involve different supporting records.
What to check when it arrives
Read the identifying information, entitlement details, and any conditions carefully. Let your lender know about a prior VA loan, a remaining VA-backed mortgage, or a possible funding-fee exemption. A COE should be interpreted in the context of the proposed purchase.
If a record is missing or incorrect, use VA’s instructions to resolve it. Do not alter an official document yourself.
Your next step is a lender comparison
A COE shows benefit eligibility; it does not lock an interest rate or guarantee loan approval. Compare lenders on the rate, annual percentage rate, fees, cash to close, and monthly payment. Ask for explanations in writing.
Official sources
Sources checked September 20, 2026. General education; no individual claim assessment. How we prepare and check content.