While lenders have different requirements and criteria that you must meet to apply and qualify for a personal loan, there are a few requirements and criteria that are generally the same. You will have to fill out a loan application with every lender that you apply to. The information that they request may vary, but typically it includes your income and employment history through paystubs, W-2s, or tax returns. You’ll need to provide identification, usually a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, driver’s license, or passport. They will ask for proof of address, usually a utility bill with your name and address on it, a lease or rental agreement or mortgage statement. The lender will also do a hard credit pull, you will probably have to explain why you are applying for the loan, and you might be required to outline other monthly expenses. The goal of this is for the lender to be able to get a complete picture of your general financial wellbeing to ensure that you will be a reliable borrower.