One of the first steps in getting a VA Home Loan is to prove that you are entitled. To do this, you need to get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This is a very important document, as it shows the VA and your lender that you have served or are serving in the Military and that you are entitled to the VA Home Loan benefit.
If you choose, you can ask your VA Loan Officer who can assist you in getting your COE. He or she will most likely be able to obtain it for you by using the Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE). This is a web-based application that can tell your loan specialist whether you are eligible, and it will issue an online COE. You can also contact the VA directly and have your COE issued through them: http://www.homeloans.va.gov/elig1.htm.
In order to get the COE, you will need to fill out the VA Form 26-1880. This form asks basic personal information and needs to be filled out entirely. Along with the information on the form, you might need to provide other supporting evidence, such as photocopies of your discharge or separation papers. This will depend on your situation, whether you were in Selected Reserves, remain on active duty, etc. You can always ask your Loan Specialist or contact the VA if you have questions.
Once you complete the COE, mail it to: Eligibility Center, PO Box 20729, Winston Salem, NC 27120. Then you are on your way to getting a VA Home Loan!
Need Help Getting Your COE?
I Filled Out The Form. What’s Next?
You will be contacted by a VA Loan specialist who will help you obtain your COE (certificate of eligibility). You are not obligated in any way, you simply would like assistance obtaining your COE and have indicated you are interested in receiving more information about the VA Loan process.
Army Money > You may be eligible but can you qualify for a VA Loan