VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide you with more favorable terms. Contact me for a lender to preapprove you for a VA loan.
How do I obtain a VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility or a duplicate of a certificate?
Apply online
To get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online, please go to the eBenefits portal at this link. If you already have login credentials, click the Login box, and if you need login credentials, please click the Register box and follow the directions on the screen. If you need any assistance please call the eBenefits Help Desk at 1-800-983-0937. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 8am to 8pm EST.
Apply through your lender
Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system. This Internet-based application can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through Web LGY - only those for which VA has sufficient data in our records. However, Veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a certificate.
Apply by mail
Use VA Form 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility.
Surviving Spouses
Spouses must apply by mail using VA Form 26-1817, Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility - Unmarried Surviving Spouses. If your Veteran spouse died after service, VA must determine that the death was due to a service-connected disability. Please allow 2-3 months for this process unless you know that the decision on service-connected death has already been made.
If you can't print the form, just call 1-888-768-2132 and follow the prompts for Eligibility and a form will be mailed to you.
Send the completed form to:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
Attn: COE (262)
PO Box 100034
Decatur, GA 30031
The evidence you need depends on the nature of your eligibility. Consult the table below to determine your category and the evidence you will need when applying.
| Category | Evidence To Apply |
|---|---|
| Veteran | DD Form 214 - required to have a copy showing the character of service (item 24) and the narrative reason for separation (item 28). |
| Current or former National Guard or Reserve member who has been activated Federal active service | |
| Active Duty Servicemember | A current statement of service:
|
| Current National Guard or Reserve member who has never been Federal active service | Statement of service:
|
| Discharged member of the National Guard who hasnever been activated for Federal active service | NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, for each period of National Guard service -OR- NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of the character of service |
| Discharged member of the Selected Reserve who has never been activated for Federal active service | Copy of your latest annual retirement points statement and evidence of honorable service |
| If you are a Surviving Spouse in Receipt of DIC (Dependency & Indemnity Compensation) benefits |
Submit VA form 26-1817 and veteran’s DD214 ( if available) |
If you are ready to start your buying or selling process
give us a call. We are happy to answer all your questions.