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How to Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA Loan

How to Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for a VA Loan

VA home loans from the Depart of Veterans Affairs can be a huge benefit to military service members and their surviving spouses when it comes to homeownership. They have relaxed credit requirements, no down payment in some cases, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. If you qualify for one of these helpful loans, one of the important steps you will need to take is obtaining a certificate of eligibility (COE) from the VA.

What is a COE?

A Certificate of Eligibility proves you can apply for a VA loan and shows your entitlement amount. It’s available to veterans, active-duty members, National Guard/Reserve members, and surviving spouses.

3 Ways to Get a COE

There are several ways to go about getting your certificate of eligibility.

  • Fill out the form in the VA eBenefits Portal via the Internet.
  • Mail in an application to the Atlanta Regional Loan Center by U.S. mail
  • Access the VA Online Portal through your VA-approved lender. This is often the quickest option, as lenders have access to an online application that can issue a COE immediately if all the right information is in the system’s database.

If you apply for a COE while on active duty it will be good for as long as you are serving; you will have to apply for another one, if needed, after you retire. If you are retired and have never applied for one before, it will never expire for you.

Information Needed

Depending on your situation you will need several different pieces of information and documents to obtain your COE. The most basic ones include, your full name, date of birth, social security number, and the date you entered duty. You may need to provide the command name, service downtime, DD214 or discharge documents, and spouse’s discharge paperwork if applicable. Non-DIC spouses must also submit a DIC application, marriage license, and the Veteran’s death certificate.

Ask Us – Certificate of Eligibility for a VA Loan

Just because you obtain a COE does not mean you automatically qualify for a VA mortgage. You will still need to meet the financial requirements set by your lender. Talk to your VA-approved lender about any income, asset, or credit prerequisites for qualification.

We are an excellent source of help for understanding your VA entitlement. It contains all sorts of codes that may be difficult for borrowers to decipher but VA lenders are trained and experienced in translating it all into plain English.

You need to obtain a certificate of eligibility to get a VA loan, but with our help, the process can be quick and easy.

HUD, VA, or FHA did not create or approve these materials, nor did any other government agency. Contact us today.

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