Do You Qualify?
Get Your Certificate of Eligibility.
Before a VA loan can move forward, your Loan Officer needs proof you're eligible. Here's exactly who qualifies, what you'll need, and how to get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) without the runaround.
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan.
Eligibility comes down to your service history. Here's how it breaks down by category, and what document proves it.
- Currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force
- At least 90 continuous days of active duty typically qualifies you
- 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime
- Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- 90 days of qualifying active duty (Title 10 or Title 32), or
- 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve or Guard with an honorable discharge
- Spouse of a Veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
- Generally must not have remarried, with some exceptions based on age
The Minimum Service Rules.
These are the baseline windows the VA looks at. There are exceptions for early discharges tied to service-connected disabilities, so if your situation doesn't fit neatly into one of these, don't rule yourself out before talking to a Loan Officer.
| Wartime Service | 90 consecutive days of active duty, all at once, without a break in service. |
| Peacetime Service | 181 days of continuous active duty. |
| Guard / Reserve (Activated) | Title 10: 90 consecutive days of active duty. Title 32: 90 cumulative days, with at least 30 consecutive. |
| Guard / Reserve (Drilling) | 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard with an honorable discharge, or you're still serving. |
| Disability Discharge | Discharged early for a service-connected disability. The minimum service requirement may not apply. |
What Is a Certificate of Eligibility?
Your COE is the document that proves to a lender you qualify for the VA loan benefit. It's the first step in the process, not a guarantee of approval. You'll still need to meet credit, income, and property requirements. Here are the three ways to get one.
Understanding Your Entitlement.
Entitlement is the dollar amount the VA agrees to repay your lender if you were ever unable to. It's what allows most eligible Veterans to buy with $0 down. It comes in two layers.
If you've used your VA loan benefit before, or have an existing VA loan, your remaining entitlement may be reduced. Run the numbers with our VA Entitlement Calculator to see exactly where you stand.
Eligibility FAQ.
Ready to Find Out Where You Stand?
Start your application and we'll pull your Certificate of Eligibility for you, run your entitlement, and walk you through exactly what you qualify for.