How to apply for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility 
Learn how to apply for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility COE. This is the first step in getting a VA direct or VA - backed home loan. It confirms for your lender that you qualify for the VA home loan benefit. Then , choose your loan type and learn about the rest of the loan application process. 

How do I prepare before starting my application? 
Gather the information you ll need to apply for your COE. Click on the description below that matches you best to find out what you ll need : If you re a Veteran , you ll need a copy of your discharge or separation papers DD214. If you re an active - duty Servicemember , you ll need : A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer showing this information : Your full name Your Social Security number Your date of birth you entered duty The date The duration of any lost time The name of the command providing the information If you re a current or former activated National Guard or Reserve member , you ll need a copy of your discharge or separation papers DD214. If you re a current member of the National Guard or Reserves, and have never been activated , you ll need : A statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer showing this information : Your full name Your Social Security number Your date of birth you entered duty The date Your total number of creditable years of service The duration of any lost time The name of the command providing the information If you re a discharged member of the National Guard and were never activated , you ll need : Your Report of Separation and Record of Service NGB Form 22 for each period of National Guard service , and Your Retirement Points Statement NGB Form 23 and proof of the character of service If you re a discharged member of the Reserves and were never activated , you ll need : A copy of your latest annual retirement points , and Proof of your honorable s

user: I need information on how to obtain a VA direct home loan.

assistant: Your first step will be to apply for your COE. After you've done that, your next steps will depend on the type of loan you are applying for and your lender.

assistant: Are you looking to obtain a VA home loan?

user: Yes, I am.

assistant: For the majority of loans, your lender will probably be a mortgage company or a private bank.

user: What if you are Native American?

assistant: In this case, we will be your lender.

user: Can I apply for my COE online?

assistant: That will depend on your lender. Some lenders will allow you to use our Web LGY system to obtain your COE.

user: What is the significance of obtaining the COE?

assistant: The COE tells your lender that you have qualified for the VA home loan benefit.

user: What kind of information will I need to apply for a COE?

assistant: This will depend on your current status in the military. If you are a current or former activated National Guard or Reserve member, you'll need a copy of your discharge or separation papers DD214.

user: I'm not in the National Guard, so what other information will I need?

assistant: This will depend on whether you are a Veteran or on Active duty.