What Form Do I show the Lender I’m Eligible?
The first form you need is a Certificate of Eligibility before you can get a VA guaranteed loan. Below are some instructions for you.
Among categories A, B, and C below, find the one that matches your situation.
Category A: Veterans, Active Duty, and Reservists/National Guard Members Who Have Served on Active Duty
You can get a Certificate of Eligibility in any of three ways:
- Apply online. Go to the Veterans Information Portal (http://vip.vba.va.gov) and click on User Registration. For more information, click on this link for user instructions for applying online.
- Apply through the lender. In many cases, lenders can obtain a Certificate online in minutes through VA’s ACE system. Check the table below entitled, “Evidence Needed for the Certificate of Eligibility.”
- Apply by mail. Use VA Form 26-1880. If you can’t print the form, just call 1-888-244-6711 and follow the prompts for Eligibility. VA can mail it to you.
Evidence you’ll need when you apply (Category A)
Category B: Reservists/National Guard Members Who Have Never Served on Active Duty
You can get a Certificate of Eligibility in any of three ways:
- Apply online. Go to the Veterans Information Portal (http://vip.vba.va.gov) and click on User Registration. For more information, click on this link for user instructions for applying online.
- Apply through the lender. Your lender can submit your application online for you.
- Apply by mail. Use VA Form 26-1880. If you can’t print the form, just call 1-888-244-6711 and follow the prompts for Eligibility. VA can mail it to you.
Evidence you’ll need when you apply (Category B)
Category C: Surviving Spouses of Veterans Who Died In Service or As a Result of Service
You must apply for the Certificate by mail.
If your veteran spouse died after service, VA must determine that the death was due to a service-connected disability. Please allow 2-3 months for this process unless you know that the decision on service-connected death has already been made.
Apply using VA Form 26-1817. If you can’t print the form, just call 1-888-244-6711 and follow the prompts for Eligibility. VA can mail it to you.
Send the completed form to:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
PO Box 20729
Winston-Salem, NC 27120
