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: What is the steps involved after applying for my COE for getting a VA direct home loan?

assistant: Applying for the COE is one part of the process for getting a VA direct home loan and your next steps will depend on the type of loan you are looking for.  

assistant: Did you know for most loans the lender will be a private bank or mortgage company?

user: No, I did not know that about the private bank or mortgage company.

assistant: Do you need to learn about the Native American Direct Loan?

user: Yes, I would need to learn about the Native American Direct Loan as it applies to me.

assistant: Then we will be your lender after all.

user: What will I need if I have never been activated as a National Guard or Reserves member?

assistant: You will need a statement of service signed by your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer showing your full name.

user: How would I go about applying for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility?

assistant: You would apply for a COE first because it confirms to your lender that you are qualified for the VA home loan benefit.

user: How do I apply by mail for the COE?

assistant: You would first have to fill out a Request for a COE VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to the address on the form; but it will take longer than if you applied online through the Web LGY system.