Understanding Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the document that proves to a lender that you meet the service requirements for a VA loan. It also shows your entitlement amount — the dollar figure the VA is guaranteeing on your behalf, which affects how much you can borrow with little or no down payment.

What it tells your lender

• That you meet the VA's minimum service requirements
• Your current entitlement amount (full, if you've never used your benefit, or a reduced amount if you have)
• Whether any entitlement is tied up in a VA loan you still own

How to get one

• In most cases, we can pull it electronically through the VA's system the same day we start your file — you don't need to track it down yourself
• If you'd rather get it yourself first, it's available through the VA's eBenefits portal or by mail
• A COE doesn't expire, but it's worth re-pulling if your service record has changed (e.g., you've since separated or your discharge status was updated)