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:

1. 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.
2. 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.”
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. Apply through the lender. Your lender can submit your application online for you.  Check the table below entitled, “Evidence Needed for the Certificate of Eligibility.”
3. 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