A VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the document that shows a lender you qualify for a VA home loan. You can generally request it online through VA.gov using Form 26-1880, have an approved VA lender check your status for you, or apply by mail. Online requests may be fulfilled immediately, while mailed forms can take about 4 to 6 weeks. Most veterans need a DD-214, and active-duty members and Guard or Reserve members typically need a Statement of Service. The COE also shows your remaining entitlement, which is the amount of the loan the VA guarantees. Because the COE is one of the first steps in the VA loan process, request it before you start touring homes, and ask your lender how your remaining entitlement applies to the home you want.
What Is a Certificate of Eligibility?
The COE is proof from the Department of Veterans Affairs that you meet the service requirements for the VA home loan benefit. It also lists your entitlement, which is the portion of the loan the VA guarantees to the lender. Lenders use it to confirm you are eligible before they approve a VA loan. A COE generally does not expire, but you may need a new one if your military status changes, such as moving from active duty to veteran.
Who Is Eligible?
Group | General Service Requirement |
|---|---|
Veterans | 90 days of active wartime service, or 181 days of peacetime service. Those discharged for a service-connected disability may not need to meet these minimums |
Active-duty members | At least 90 days of continuous service |
National Guard and Reserve | Generally 90 days of active duty, or 6 years of honorable service, with other qualifying paths |
Surviving spouses | Depends on the service member's death in service or from a service-connected disability, plus other VA requirements |
Rules have exceptions and the VA makes the final decision. Confirm your own eligibility with the VA or an approved VA lender.
How Do I Get My COE?
Online through VA.gov. Submit the COE request (Form 26-1880). Some requests are fulfilled immediately.
Through your lender. Many approved VA lenders can check your COE status through the VA's system and pull it for you.
By mail. Complete Form 26-1880 and send it to your regional loan center. Plan on about 4 to 6 weeks.
Documents you may need:
Veterans: your DD-214
Active-duty members: a Statement of Service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer
Guard and Reserve members: a Statement of Service or separation records, plus a retirement points statement and proof of honorable service, depending on your status
If you cannot find your DD-214, request a copy early, since this can delay the process.
What Is Entitlement, and Why Does It Matter?
Entitlement is the amount the VA guarantees to your lender if a loan defaults. It is what allows many VA loans to be offered with no down payment. Your COE shows your remaining entitlement. If you have used your VA benefit before, still own a home bought with a VA loan, or have had a VA loan that was assumed, your remaining entitlement may be reduced. Ask your lender how your available entitlement works with the price of the home you want to buy.
What If My COE Does Not Come Back Clean?
Missing service records. Gather your records and request them again.
Wrong status. If you have moved from active duty to veteran, update your information with the VA.
Character of service questions. Contact the VA or a Veterans Service Organization for help.
Local Context: VA Buyers in the Las Vegas Valley
The valley is home to many service members, veterans, and military families, including those connected to Nellis Air Force Base. Getting the COE early lets you get pre-approved with a VA lender, learn your price range, and make offers with confidence. Our post on buying with a VA loan covers payment, funding fee, and loan limit considerations.
Related Reading
Our post on buying a home in Las Vegas with a VA loan explains why your payment matters more than the purchase price, and our post on VA loan assumptions covers what sellers with a VA loan should know.
This post reflects general information as of publication and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. VA rules, eligibility, and forms change. Confirm details with the Department of Veterans Affairs and an approved VA lender. Speak with Sherwyn or Ferguz Colonia about buying in the Las Vegas Valley.
Sherwyn Colonia, NVRE License #S.185645 | Ferguz Colonia, NVRE License #S.199036 FIV Realty | (702) 234-5985 | thecoloniateam.com This is not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. We are committed to compliance with the Fair Housing Act and the Nevada Real Estate Division's licensing and advertising regulations. Sherwyn and Ferguz Colonia help military and veteran buyers across the greater Las Vegas Valley.
