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Sunday, July 19, 2026

VA Loans: For whom, where to start

 

How to request a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Learn how to request a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This is the first step in getting a VA-backed home loan or Native American Direct 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 I start a COE request?

Gather the information you’ll need to request a COE. Select the description here that matches you best to find out what you’ll need.

How do I request a COE?

You can request a COE in any of these 3 ways.

Option 1: Online

Request a COE

Option 2: Through your lender

Your lender may be able to use an online system (called Web LGY) to get your COE. Ask your lender about this option.

Option 3: By mail

To request a COE by mail, fill out a Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Form 26-1880) and mail it to the address for your regional loan center. You can find the address on the last page of the form. Please note that mail requests may take longer than requesting a COE online or through your lender.

Get VA Form 26-1880 to download

What happens after I request a COE?

We’ll review your request and tell you our decision. You can check the status of your request online.

Learn how to check the status of your home loan COE

Next steps for getting a VA direct or VA-backed home loan

Requesting a COE is only part of the process for getting a VA direct or VA-backed home loan. Your next steps will depend on the type of loan and the lender. (For most loans, the lender is a private bank or mortgage company. For the Native American Direct Loan, we’re the lender).

The lender will request a VA appraisal (assessment) of the house. An appraisal estimates the house’s market value at the time of inspection. An appraisal isn’t a home inspection or a guaranty of value. 

The lender will review the appraisal and your credit and income information. If they decide to accept your application, they’ll work with you to select a title company (or other entity) to close (transfer ownership) on the house.

What if I have questions about the loan process?

If you have any questions that your lender can’t answer, you can call us at 877-827-3702 (TTY: 711) to talk to a VA home loan representative. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Play a video about VA home loans and how to apply (YouTube) 

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