Quick answer
A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, confirms for your lender that you qualify for the VA home loan benefit. You can request one online through VA, through your lender or by mail. Most veterans need a copy of their DD-214, and active-duty service members need a statement of service. A lender may be able to get your COE through VA’s online system.
Rules on this page were checked on against VA.gov. Program terms are subject to agency and lender guidelines and may change, and individual lenders can set stricter rules.
Tennessee veterans: where to begin
Transcript: Tennessee Veterans, this is what you can do to begin your path to home ownership. Number one, start gathering your documents together to what you need to get your certificate of eligibility. Two, give us a call and let us take an application to start you on that path to home ownership. So give us a call so that we can answer all of your questions. So when you do buy, you buy with confidence and you buy with Valor.
VA loans are subject to eligibility, and program terms may change. A COE alone doesn’t mean a loan will be approved.
Which document do you need?
| If you’re | You’ll generally need |
|---|---|
| A veteran | A copy of your discharge or separation papers (DD-214) |
| On active duty | A statement of service, signed by your commander, adjutant or personnel officer |
| Current or former activated National Guard | Your DD-214 or other discharge documents, depending on your service |
| Other Guard, Reserve or a surviving spouse | Requirements differ. See VA’s full list |
Source: VA.gov. Requirements depend on your service history.
How do you request it?
- Through your lender. Your lender may be able to use VA’s online system, called Web LGY. This is the route Christopher describes on the radio.
- Online. Apply through VA.gov.
- By mail. Send VA Form 26-1880 to your regional loan center. VA notes this may take longer.
On WSGI’s One Street Over, Christopher explains that eligibility generally doesn’t change, but he’ll often pull a fresh COE to make sure everything is clean. Hear it from 24:52 in the episode.
What does the COE show?
It shows whether VA considers you eligible and details about your entitlement. It also indicates whether you’re exempt from the funding fee, as veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability generally are. If it doesn’t reflect your status correctly, tell your lender early, so it can be sorted out before closing.
Christopher explains how the DD-214 leads to the COE, how entitlement works and how a second VA loan may be possible on the October show. Listen from 24:47.
What comes next?
- Gather your documents, including income and bank statements.
- Talk with a VA lender about your numbers, since VA doesn’t set a minimum score but lenders may have their own rules.
- Get pre-approved. A COE shows eligibility for the benefit, not approval for a loan.
- Look for a home that can meet VA’s requirements, including its appraisal.
Each step takes its own documents, so keep your service records handy. Near Fort Campbell? See our Clarksville VA guide. Building? See construction loans.
Certificate of Eligibility FAQ
How long does a COE last?
Eligibility generally doesn’t change on its own. Your lender may pull an updated one, since entitlement can change if you have used your benefit.
Do I need a COE before talking with a lender?
No. You can start by talking with a lender, and a lender may be able to request it for you. Having your DD-214 ready helps.
Can I use my VA loan benefit more than once?
Yes, often. Depending on your entitlement, you may be able to use it again, or even keep your first home and use remaining entitlement on another primary residence.
Where these rules come from
| Rule or figure | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|
| How to request a COE; documents | VA, how to request a COE | Nov 5, 2026 |
| VA eligibility | VA, home loan eligibility | Nov 5, 2026 |
| Funding fee | Valor Mortgage VA loan guide | Valor Mortgage guide |
Related answers and guides
- VA loans in Tennessee
- What credit score do you need to buy a house?
- What happens at a first mortgage consultation?
- More answers on VA loans.
- About Christopher Armantrout.
Call me at (615) 671-9178. That’s the fastest way to get a straight answer on what you’d qualify for and how your VA benefit could work.
If it’s after hours, grab a time on my calendar. Pick a slot that works and I’ll call you then.
If your life is too chaotic for a phone call right now — I understand — start an application and I’ll review it and reach out with a plan.
Valor Mortgage, LLC · Christopher Armantrout, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1210804 · Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 · Licensed in Tennessee · Equal Housing Opportunity
724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 · (615) 671-9178 · christopher@valor.mortgage · NMLS Consumer Access
The dollar figures on this page are illustrative examples for general information only and are not an offer, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Actual interest rates and APRs vary based on loan program, borrower qualifications, property, market conditions and other factors. Program fees, limits and terms are set by the agencies named above and change without notice; all loans are subject to credit approval, income verification and property appraisal. Not all applicants will qualify.