How to get your VA Certificate of Eligibility
Your COE tells a lender you qualify for a VA-backed loan and whether you're exempt from the funding fee. Three ways to get it, and the documents you need.
How to request your COE
- Online on VA.gov (VA Form 26-1880). Start on VA.gov
- Through your lender. Lenders can often pull your COE in minutes through VA’s system. We do this for our borrowers.
- By mail. Fill out VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to the regional loan center listed on the form’s last page. VA says mail can take longer.
What you’ll need, by service type
| Veteran | Your discharge or separation papers (DD214). |
|---|---|
| Active duty | A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer, showing your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, date you entered duty, any lost time, and the command providing it. |
| National Guard, activated | DD214 or other discharge papers. With at least 90 days of active duty including 30 in a row, also proof of the activation date. |
| Reserve, activated | DD214 or other discharge papers. |
| Guard or Reserve, still serving, never activated | A signed statement of service with the same details, plus total creditable years of service. |
| Discharged Guard, never activated | NGB Form 22 for each period of service, plus NGB Form 23 and proof of character of service. |
| Discharged Reserve, never activated | Your latest annual retirement points statement and proof of honorable service. |
| Surviving spouse receiving DIC | VA Form 26-1817, plus the Veteran’s DD214 if you have it. |
| Surviving spouse not receiving DIC | VA Form 21P-534EZ, your marriage license and the Veteran’s death certificate, plus the DD214 if you have it. |
Source: VA: how to request a COE, page updated September 22, 2026, checked November 10, 2026. Questions about your COE: VA Regional Loan Center, 877-827-3702.
Good to know
How long does it take to get a VA COE?
Through a lender it's often immediate. Mailed requests take longer.
Do I need my COE before I apply for a VA loan?
No. We can request it for you as part of your application.
What does an active-duty service member need?
A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer.
Where does my funding fee exemption show?
On your COE. If it's missing and you have a disability rating, see our funding fee exemption guide.
Can a surviving spouse get a COE?
Yes, in qualifying cases. Use VA Form 26-1817 if you receive DIC, or 21P-534EZ if you don't.
VA benefits resource center · Funding fee exemption and refund · VA disability and your home · Your LES and your mortgage
MTG Wholesale is a private mortgage broker. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense or any branch of the military. VA-backed loans are subject to eligibility, lender approval and appraisal. Not an offer of credit.