3 Ways to Get Your VA COE

Choose the method that works best for you – all are free and official

FASTEST METHOD

Online via eBenefits

Get your COE instantly online through the VA's eBenefits portal. Takes 5-10 minutes if you have your DD-214.

Instant digital COE
Available 24/7
No waiting period
Go to eBenefits Portal
EASIEST

Through Your Lender

We can request your COE on your behalf using the VA's WebLGY system during your loan application.

We handle everything
Same-day in most cases
Integrated with loan file
Apply Now – We'll Get It
SLOWEST

Mail to VA

Submit VA Form 26-1880 by mail with supporting documents. Takes 2-4 weeks to receive COE.

2-4 week processing
For complex cases
If online doesn't work
Download Form 26-1880

Nevada Veteran Recommendation

If you're actively house hunting in Nevada, get your COE through eBenefits NOW before you find a property. Having it ready makes your offer stronger and speeds up closing by 5-7 days in competitive markets like Las Vegas and Henderson. If you haven't started yet, apply with us and we'll handle it as part of your loan process – either way works perfectly.

Documents You'll Need

Gather these documents before requesting your COE to speed up the process. Most veterans only need their DD-214.

DD-214 (Discharge Papers)

Required for all separated veterans. Shows your service dates, discharge status, and character of service. You need the Member 4 copy (long form).

Lost your DD-214? Request a copy →

Statement of Service (Active Duty)

If you're currently serving, request a Statement of Service from your commanding officer showing 90+ days continuous active duty.

NGB-22 or Discharge Orders (Guard/Reserve)

National Guard and Reserve members need NGB-22 (Report of Separation) plus proof of 6+ years service OR 90+ days active duty during wartime.

Marriage Certificate & Death Certificate (Surviving Spouse)

Un-remarried surviving spouses need marriage certificate, veteran's death certificate, and proof veteran died from service-connected disability or while on active duty.

Common COE Questions

How long does it take to get a COE?

Online via eBenefits: Instant to same-day if your service is verified electronically. Through your lender: 1-3 business days. By mail: 2-4 weeks.

Does getting a COE affect my credit?

No. Obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility is NOT a credit inquiry and will not impact your credit score in any way.

Do I need a new COE each time I use my VA benefit?

No, but lenders typically want a COE issued within 120 days of your loan application to ensure entitlement amounts are current. If you've used your benefit before and paid off that loan, you may need an updated COE showing restored entitlement.

What if I'm denied or can't get my COE online?

If the online system doesn't work, contact your lender – we can request it through the VA's WebLGY system or submit Form 26-1880 by mail on your behalf. Denials are rare; most issues are documentation problems easily resolved.

Can Nevada National Guard qualify?

Yes. Nevada National Guard members need 6 years of service (including at least 90 days of active duty) OR 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime to qualify for VA home loan benefits.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your COE Online

Follow this guide to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility through the VA's eBenefits portal in under 10 minutes

1

Create or Log into eBenefits Account

Visit www.ebenefits.va.gov and sign in using your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, ID.me, or Login.gov credentials. If you don't have an account, click "Register" and follow the prompts to create a Premium eBenefits account (required for COE access).

Pro Tip: Have your Social Security number, DOB, and military service dates ready. Account creation takes 5-10 minutes if you're registering for the first time.

2

Navigate to Home Loan COE Tool

Once logged in, go to the main menu and select "Manage Benefits""Home Loans""Request a Certificate of Eligibility". The direct link is typically under "My Documents" or the "Benefits" tab depending on your account setup.

3

Enter Your Service Information

The system will ask you to confirm or enter your military service details. If your service records are already in the VA database (most veterans discharged after 1990), the information may auto-populate. Verify the following:

  • Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, etc.)
  • Service entry and separation dates
  • Character of service (Honorable, General, etc.)
  • Whether you're currently on active duty

Note: If your records aren't in the system (older service, Guard/Reserve, or recent discharge), you'll need to upload your DD-214, NGB-22, or equivalent separation documents.

4

Upload Documents (If Required)

If the VA cannot verify your service electronically, you'll be prompted to upload supporting documents. Accepted documents include:

DD-214 (Member 4 copy)
NGB-22 (Guard/Reserve)
Statement of Service
Discharge orders

Scan or photograph your documents clearly (PDF or JPG format, under 10MB). Make sure all text is legible before uploading.

5

Review and Submit Request

Double-check all information for accuracy, then click "Submit Request". The VA will process your application immediately if your service data is verified electronically.

6

Download Your COE Immediately

If approved instantly (most cases), your COE will appear on screen. Download and save the PDF to your computer. The document shows:

  • Your name and VA file number
  • Available entitlement amount ($36,000 basic, up to $170,000+ in high-cost areas like parts of Nevada)
  • Any previously used entitlement (if applicable)
  • Expiration (COE doesn't expire, but lenders typically want one issued within 120 days)

Save multiple copies – email it to yourself and keep it in a secure folder. You'll provide this to your Nevada lender when applying for a VA home loan.

Have Your COE? Let's Find Your Nevada Home

Now that you're VA-eligible, our Nevada VA loan specialists will help you leverage your full benefit – $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and beyond.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to Get Your
VA Certificate of Eligibility

Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) proves you qualify for VA home loan benefits. Get yours in minutes online or let us handle it for you during your Nevada VA loan application.

Get COE in Minutes Online
Free – No Cost
Required for VA Loan

What is a VA COE?

The VA Certificate of Eligibility is an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs that confirms you meet service requirements for a VA home loan. Nevada lenders need this to process your $0 down VA loan.

Proves Service Eligibility

Shows you served the required time or meet special eligibility criteria (National Guard, Reserves, surviving spouse)

Shows Remaining Entitlement

Tells lenders how much benefit you have left if you've used VA loans before or have concurrent usage

Speeds Up Approval

Having your COE ready before applying accelerates your Nevada VA loan pre-approval by 3-5 days

Free from VA

No charge to obtain your COE – it's your earned benefit as a veteran or service member