Three Ways to Get Your VA COE
Most VA-approved lenders can access your COE electronically through the VA's Web LGY system in minutes. This is typically the fastest and easiest method — your lender handles it during the pre-approval process. Ask your lender to pull your COE early in the process.
Visit va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/request-coe/ and submit your request online. If your records are in the VA's system, you may receive your COE immediately. Requires a verified VA.gov or Login.gov account. If your records can't be verified online, the system will prompt you to provide additional documentation.
Complete VA Form 26-1880 (Request for Certificate of Eligibility) and mail it with supporting documents to the VA Eligibility Center. Timeline: 4–6 weeks. Use this if online or lender methods fail. Supporting documents vary by service type — see the table below.
Required Documents by Service Type
| Service Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Active Duty | Statement of Service signed by adjutant, personnel officer, or commander |
| Veteran | DD Form 214 (Member Copy 4) |
| National Guard (federal activation) | DD Form 214 for each period of federal service |
| National Guard (state only) | NGB Form 22 + NGB Form 23 |
| Surviving Spouse | Veteran's DD-214, marriage certificate, veteran's death certificate, VA Form 26-1817 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Zero entitlement typically means your entitlement is tied up in an existing VA loan that hasn't been paid off or entitlement restored. Options: pay off the existing VA loan to restore entitlement, sell the property to release the VA lien, or use remaining secondary entitlement (you may still qualify for a new VA loan with a down payment). Contact the VA eligibility center or a VA-specialist lender to review your specific entitlement situation.
After paying off and selling the property (or having the VA loan assumed by another eligible veteran), entitlement restoration is typically processed within 4–8 weeks. Submit VA Form 26-1880 requesting restoration after the loan payoff is confirmed. For one-time restoration (property sold, loan paid off), the process is straightforward. Speak with a VA-specialist lender if you need to use benefits before restoration is complete — simultaneous VA loans are possible with remaining entitlement.