For veterans and active service members, the VA home loan benefit can make buying a home more affordable. One of the first steps in using this benefit is getting a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). It’s not something most people are familiar with unless they’ve served, but it’s central to how the VA loan process works. The COE proves to lenders that you’re eligible for a VA-backed loan. Without it, lenders can’t approve your application under the VA loan program. So, understanding what the COE is, how it’s used, and how to get one can save time and confusion.

What Is a VA Certificate of Eligibility?

A VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs that confirms a service member or veteran qualifies for a VA home loan. Think of it as your access pass—it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the loan, but without it, lenders can’t move forward under the VA program. The COE lets the lender know you’ve met the military service requirements and shows how much of your VA loan entitlement is available. That entitlement is the portion the VA promises to back if the borrower defaults, which makes lenders more comfortable approving the loan.

Depending on whether you’ve used a VA loan before, your entitlement could be full, partial, or whatever’s left from a previous purchase. That number helps set the stage for how much you can borrow without needing a down payment.

The COE also notes whether you’re exempt from the VA funding fee, which is a one-time charge most borrowers pay. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation often don’t have to pay it, and this fee exemption will show up right on the certificate—saving you money upfront.

Who Qualifies for a VA COE?

Eligibility for a VA Certificate of Eligibility depends on the nature and length of your military service. Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, and Reservists may qualify, as well as some surviving spouses.

Generally, you may qualify if:

• You served 90 consecutive days during wartime,
• Served 181 days during peacetime,
• Have more than six years of service in the National Guard or Reserves,
• Or you’re the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.

It’s important to understand that the VA determines eligibility, not the lender. Lenders often help collect and submit the documents, but the final call comes from the VA. This process checks for dishonorable discharge or other disqualifying conditions.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, you can still apply. The VA will review your service history and let you know if you’re eligible or if additional information is needed.

How to Get a VA Certificate of Eligibility?

There are three main ways to get a VA Certificate of Eligibility: through a lender, online through the VA's eBenefits portal, or by mail.

Through a Lender:

The easiest and fastest way for most people is through a VA-approved lender. Most lenders can access the VA's Web LGY system, which allows them to pull the COE on your behalf in minutes. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as your Social Security number and details of your service.

Online through eBenefits:

Veterans and service members can also request the certificate themselves through the VA’s eBenefits website. To do this, you’ll need to log in with your DS Logon credentials. Once inside, you can navigate to the home loan benefits section and submit your request. If your information is complete and matches what the VA has on file, the COE can be generated instantly.

By Mail:

If you prefer paper or need to submit additional documents (such as discharge papers), you can mail VA Form 26-1880 to the VA’s eligibility center. This method takes longer—often several weeks—but it’s sometimes necessary for older records or less common service situations.

When applying, you may need to provide documents such as your DD Form 214 (for veterans), a statement of service (for active-duty personnel), or points statements (for Reservists or National Guard members). Surviving spouses may need to submit additional forms, such as the veteran’s death certificate and marriage license, depending on the circumstances.

What Happens After You Receive the COE?

Once you’ve received your VA Certificate of Eligibility, you’re ready to begin the home loan process with a VA-approved lender. The COE itself doesn’t have an expiration date, although your lender may request a current version to confirm there are no changes in entitlement or exemption status.

The lender uses the COE to confirm your entitlement and to determine your maximum loan amount. For first-time VA borrowers with full entitlement, there is no official loan limit. You can borrow as much as the lender is willing to approve, assuming you meet credit and income requirements. However, you'll still need to qualify for the loan based on your financial profile, including your debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and credit score.

If you’ve used a portion of your entitlement before, such as for a previous VA loan, the COE will reflect that. In many cases, you can still use your remaining entitlement or restore it after selling the home and repaying the loan in full.

Suppose you're refinancing an existing VA loan through an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL). In that case, a COE is still required, but the process is often streamlined and may not require updated documentation.

Conclusion

The VA Certificate of Eligibility is the starting point for anyone planning to use a VA loan. It’s a simple document, but without it, lenders can’t move forward with the loan process under the VA program. Whether you're just starting to think about buying a home or you’re ready to apply, getting your COE early can help you avoid delays. It’s available through several channels and usually doesn’t take long to get. Understanding how it works—and making sure you have it ready—can save you time and help smooth the path to homeownership using your well-earned benefits.