Am I eligible for a VA loan, and how do I get my Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
The short answer
You're generally eligible if you've served 90 continuous days on active duty, if you're a veteran who served 24 continuous months (or the full period you were called up, at least 90 days), or after 6 creditable years in the Guard or Reserve, with a discharge that isn't dishonorable. Some surviving spouses qualify too. Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) proves it, and The Mortgage Advisory can usually pull it online for you in minutes.
Who is eligible?
In general, with a discharge that isn't dishonorable:
| Who | Minimum service |
|---|---|
| Currently serving | 90 continuous days of active duty |
| Veterans who served since August 2, 1990 | 24 continuous months, or the full period you were called to active duty (at least 90 days) |
| Veterans who served 1980 to 1990 | 24 continuous months, or the full period called up (at least 181 days) |
| National Guard and Reserve | 6 creditable years, or 90 days of non-training active duty (Title 10 for the Guard) |
| Surviving spouses | Some qualify, for example those receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation |
There are exceptions for service members discharged early for a service-connected disability or certain other reasons. Earlier service eras have their own rules.
What is a COE?
Your Certificate of Eligibility shows the lender that you qualify for a VA loan and how much entitlement you have. It isn't an approval for the loan itself; the lender still reviews your credit and income.
How do I get my COE?
- Ask your lender. We can usually pull it online through VA's system in minutes.
- Request it yourself on VA.gov.
- Mail VA Form 26-1880 if you can't use the online options.
If VA needs more records, like your DD214 or a statement of service, the lender will tell you exactly what to send.
What if I've used my VA loan before?
You may still have remaining entitlement, or you can restore it by selling the home and paying off the loan. Your COE shows what's available. Many veterans use the benefit more than once.
Example scenario (illustrative)
A Marine who served four years and separated in 2019 thinks they need to track down paperwork before talking to a lender. We pull their COE online during the first call, it shows full entitlement, and they're pre-approved the same week.
Our take
Don't let the paperwork stop you. We're a direct VA lender in California, Texas, and Colorado (and arrange VA loans in Florida as a licensed broker), and pulling your COE is one of the first things I do. If there's a gap in your records, I'll tell you exactly what to request.
Sources
Ace Ausar, Mortgage Banker · NMLS #1143018
The Mortgage Advisory, Inc. · NMLS #1549739
Reviewed by Ace Ausar, NMLS #1143018 · Updated
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