What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

One of the requirements for applying for a VA home loan is to submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If you are confused about COEs, you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to explain everything you need to know about this important document.

What is a COE?

Qualifying for a VA mortgage involves meeting certain service requirements. Your COE is the document that verifies these qualifications.

• Veterans: We need to see your DD214 discharge or separation papers.

• Active-duty service members: You need your commander, personnel officer or adjutant to sign a statement of service.

• Current or former activated Reserve members: We need your DD214.

• Current or former activated National Guard members: We need your DD214. If you performed 90 or more days of active-duty service wherein at least 30 of those days were consecutive, we may ask you for more paperwork.    

• Current Reserve or National Guard members never activated: You just need a signed statement of service.

• Former Reserve members never activated: You need to provide your most recent annual retirement points and proof of honorable service.  

• Former National Guard member never activated: For every service period, you will need a Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22). Also necessary is Retirement Points Statement (NGB Form 23) along with documentation that verifies the character of service performed.  

• Surviving spouses: At a minimum, we require your deceased spouse’s DD214. Sometimes additional documentation is needed.

How Do You Obtain Your COE?

Now you understand what a Certificate of Eligibility is, and have an idea what the documentation entails based on your classification. But how do you obtain the necessary paperwork?

The fastest and most efficient way to do it is by requesting it through the Web LGY VA online portal.

Although you can do this yourself, you do not have to. Our VA mortgage experts can use the portal to request the necessary documentation.

Apply Now for a VA Mortgage

If you are ready to get your COE and apply quickly and easily for a VA mortgage, you can rely on MMS Mortgage Services to streamline the process from start to finish. To begin, please give us a call at (248) 788-0800 to schedule your free consultation. We work with VA homebuyers and homeowners in Michigan and 15 other states.