VA Certificate of Eligibility
Complete guide to getting your COE in 2025. Learn about three application methods, required documents, entitlement explained, and processing times.
Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the essential first step toward using your VA home loan benefit. This official document verifies to lenders that you qualify for a VA-guaranteed mortgage based on your military service, establishing your eligibility and available entitlement amount.
Many veterans don't realize how quick and simple obtaining a COE has become. With online applications processing instantly in most cases, you can have your certificate in hand within minutes. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the VA certificate of eligibility, including who needs one, how to get it through three different methods, and how to understand your entitlement.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility?
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that confirms you meet the service requirements for VA home loan benefits. This eligibility certificate serves as proof to VA-approved lenders that the VA will guarantee a portion of your mortgage.
Key Information on Your COE:
- Your name and contact information
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Type of service (Active Duty, Reserve, Guard)
- Period(s) of service
- Discharge characterization
- Available entitlement amount
- Entitlement currently in use
- COE code indicating eligibility basis
For Veterans
- Confirms eligibility before house hunting
- Shows available entitlement
- Can be obtained before ready to buy
For Lenders
- Verifies VA will guarantee loan
- Shows service requirements met
- Required to process application
For the VA
- Documents eligibility determination
- Tracks entitlement usage
- Prevents fraudulent applications
Who Needs a Certificate of Eligibility?
You Need a COE If You're:
- Purchasing a home with a VA loan
- Refinancing a conventional mortgage to a VA loan
- Refinancing an existing VA loan (IRRRL)
- Using the VA Native American Direct Loan program
- Applying for any VA-guaranteed mortgage product
When to Obtain Your COE
Get Your COE Early (Recommended):
- • Before starting your home search
- • During pre-qualification discussions
- • When checking eligibility if uncertain
Early Application Advantages:
- • Confirms eligibility early
- • Reveals exact entitlement amount
- • Identifies potential issues
- • Demonstrates serious buyer status
Important Notes:
- No limit on COE applications - free to obtain
- Can be reissued if lost or damaged
- Same COE can be provided to multiple lenders
- Having COE doesn't obligate you to use VA benefit
How to Get Your Certificate of Eligibility: Three Methods
Choose the method that best fits your timeline and comfort level with technology.
Method 1: Apply Online
Fastest - Instant to 2 Days
The online application method delivers the fastest results, with most veterans receiving instant approval.
Create Account or Log In
Visit VA.gov or eBenefits portal. Log in using:
- • ID.me (recommended for fastest verification)
- • Login.gov
- • DS Logon (Premium Level 2)
- • My HealtheVet (Premium account)
Navigate to COE Application
From VA.gov: Go to "VA Home Loans" → "Request Your COE"
From eBenefits: Select "Manage Benefits" → "Housing Assistance"
Verify Your Identity
System automatically pulls service records from VA databases. Identity verification completed through your login credentials.
Review Service Information
Confirm displayed service periods are accurate and verify discharge characterization.
Submit Application
Review all information for accuracy, electronically sign, and submit to VA.
Receive Your COE
Most applications approved instantly. Download and save digital copy.
Processing Time:
- • Instant approval: 80% of online applications
- • 1-2 business days: Additional review needed
- • 5-7 business days: Documentation requirements
Best For:
- • Veterans comfortable with online systems
- • Those needing COE quickly
- • Service members with recent discharge
- • Veterans whose records are in VA databases
Method 2: Through Your Lender
Most Convenient - 1-3 Days
VA-approved lenders can request your COE on your behalf through the VA's WebLGY system, eliminating the need for you to apply directly.
Choose a VA-Approved Lender
Select lender you plan to work with and verify they have WebLGY access.
Authorize Lender to Request COE
Sign VA Form 26-1880 and provide authorization for lender to access your information.
Provide Required Documentation
- • Copy of DD Form 214 (all service periods)
- • Statement of Service (if still active duty)
- • Photo identification
- • Social Security number
Lender Submits Request
Lender logs into WebLGY system, uploads documentation, and requests COE electronically.
Receive Your COE
Lender receives COE from VA (usually 1-3 days) and provides copy to you.
Processing Time:
- • 1-2 business days: Standard processing
- • 3-5 business days: Additional documentation needed
- • Same-day: Possible for simple cases
Best For:
- • Veterans already working with a lender
- • Those uncomfortable with online applications
- • Anyone preferring hands-off approach
Advantages:
- • Lender handles all paperwork
- • Integrated with pre-approval process
- • Professional assistance if issues arise
Method 3: Apply by Mail
Slowest - 2-6 Weeks
The traditional mail method remains available for veterans who prefer paper applications or cannot access online systems.
Obtain VA Form 26-1880
- • Download from VA.gov
- • Call 1-800-827-1000 to request
- • Pick up at VA Regional Loan Center
Complete the Form
Fill out all required fields legibly, include all service periods, and sign/date the form.
Gather Supporting Documents
- • DD Form 214 for all service periods
- • Statement of Service (if active duty)
- • Court documents (if name changed)
Mail to Appropriate VA Regional Loan Center
Atlanta (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA):
1700 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033
Cleveland (CT, DE, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WV):
1240 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44199
Phoenix (AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY):
3333 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012
St. Paul (AR, IA, IL, KS, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, OK, TX, WI):
1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4050
Receive COE by Mail
Processing Time:
- • 2-3 weeks: Complete documentation
- • 4-6 weeks: Additional verification needed
- • 6-8 weeks: Peak seasons or missing docs
Best For:
- • Veterans without internet access
- • Those uncomfortable with technology
- • Anyone preferring traditional paper methods
Tips for Mail Applications:
- • Send via certified mail with return receipt
- • Make copies before mailing
- • Include cover letter with contact info
- • Follow up if no response within 4 weeks
COE Processing Times by Method
| Method | Standard Time | If Complications |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application | Instant - 2 days | 5-7 days |
| Through Lender | 1-3 days | 3-5 days |
| Mail Application | 2-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
Factors That Speed Up Processing:
- Complete, accurate documentation
- Online application method
- Service records in VA databases
- Recent discharge (last 10 years)
Factors That Slow Down Processing:
- •Missing or incomplete documents
- •Multiple periods of service
- •Reserve/Guard service requiring point calculation
- •Peak home buying season (April-August)
Understanding Your Certificate of Eligibility
Entitlement Explained: Basic vs. Bonus
Entitlement is the amount the VA will guarantee to the lender on your behalf. It's not how much you can borrow—it's the portion of the loan the VA promises to repay the lender if you default.
Basic Entitlement: $36,000
Every eligible veteran receives basic entitlement of $36,000. This amount has remained constant since 1974.
Calculation:
Basic entitlement: $36,000
Maximum loan (at 25% guaranty):
$144,000
Bonus Entitlement: Additional Coverage
Bonus entitlement supplements basic entitlement, allowing veterans to purchase higher-priced homes without down payment.
Standard Counties:
Bonus entitlement: $155,637
Total entitlement: $191,637
Can borrow up to $766,550
No Loan Limit for Full Entitlement (2020 Change)
As of January 1, 2020, veterans with full entitlement have no maximum loan amount, regardless of county limits.
Who Has No Limit:
- First-time VA loan users
- Previous VA loan paid off and property sold
- Restored entitlement after previous use
Who Still Has Limits:
- • Veterans with existing VA loan on another property
- • Partial entitlement due to current usage
- • Some entitlement in use without restoration
Entitlement Calculation Examples
Example 1: Full Entitlement
COE shows: Full entitlement available
Meaning: No previous VA loan use
Loan limit: Determined by lender approval, not VA limit
Down payment: None required
Example 2: Partial Entitlement
Available: $90,000
In use: $91,887
Total possible: $181,887
Can borrow: $360,000 ($90,000 ÷ 25%)
Above $360,000: Need 25% down on excess
Example 3: Basic Only
Available: $36,000 (basic only)
Meaning: Bonus in use on another property
Can borrow: Up to $144,000
For higher amounts: Need 25% down on excess
Restoring Your Entitlement After Sale
When Entitlement is Restored
Automatic restoration occurs when:
- You pay off your VA loan in full
- AND you sell the property to someone else
- VA receives notification of loan payoff and sale
Timeline: Usually within 30 days, no action required in most cases
One-Time Restoration Without Sale
You can restore entitlement once without selling if:
- Paid off the VA loan completely
- Intend to keep the property
- Never used one-time restoration before
Example: Keep first home as rental, buy new primary residence
How to Restore Entitlement
Verify Eligibility
Previous VA loan paid in full and property sold
Gather Documents
VA Form 26-1880, payoff letter, closing statement
Submit Request
Complete form indicating "Restoration of Entitlement"
Receive Updated COE
VA issues new COE showing full entitlement (1-4 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Certificate of Eligibility cost?
The COE is completely free. The VA doesn't charge any fee for issuing, replacing, or updating your Certificate of Eligibility.
How long is my COE valid?
Your COE doesn't expire. However, lenders typically require a COE dated within 120 days of your loan application, so you may need to request an updated copy if time has passed.
Can I get a COE if I'm still on active duty?
Yes. Active duty service members can obtain a COE after completing 90 days of continuous active duty service. You'll need a Statement of Service from your commanding officer instead of a DD Form 214.
What if my COE application is denied?
If denied, the VA will send a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient service time or character of discharge issues. You can appeal the decision or provide additional documentation. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to discuss your options.
Can I use my COE to shop with multiple lenders?
Absolutely. You can provide your COE to as many lenders as you want when shopping for the best rates and terms. The COE doesn't commit you to any particular lender.
Does getting a COE affect my credit score?
No. Applying for a COE doesn't involve a credit check and has no impact on your credit score. Credit checks occur later when you apply for the actual loan with a lender.
Ready to Get Your Certificate of Eligibility?
Don't wait—get your COE today and take the first step toward homeownership with your VA home loan benefits.
Related Resources
Complete VA Home Loan Guide
Learn about VA loan benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
Learn MoreFind VA-Approved Lenders
Compare lenders and find the best rates for your VA home loan.
Find LendersGet Expert Guidance
Contact our veterans benefits specialists for personalized assistance.
Contact UsDisclaimer: This guide provides general information about VA Certificates of Eligibility and should not be considered legal advice. COE requirements and processing times are subject to change. Consult with the VA and VA-approved lenders for current requirements specific to your situation. Veterans Opportunity Program is a resource and referral service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Last Updated: October 2025