How to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in Nevada

No, you don't need your COE in hand before starting your VA loan application with a Nevada lender. Most lenders (including us) can request your COE electronically during the application process and receive it the same day.

However, it's helpful to obtain your COE early if you want to know your exact entitlement amount or if you're house hunting and want to show sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer. A COE in hand can strengthen your offer in Nevada's competitive housing market.

The timeline depends on which method you choose:

• Online through VA.gov: Instant to same-day (fastest option)
• Through your Nevada lender: Same day to 24 hours (most convenient)
• By mail: 2-3 weeks (slowest option, not recommended for time-sensitive purchases)

Most Nevada veterans can have their COE within hours using the online portal or by having their lender request it electronically.

You can request a new COE to see your current entitlement status. The VA COE will show:

• Available entitlement: How much of your benefit is currently available
• Previously used entitlement: Amount tied to existing VA loans
• Restoration eligibility: Whether your entitlement has been restored

Your VA loan benefit is restored when you:

• Sell the property and pay off the VA loan in full
• Have another qualified veteran assume your VA loan
• Refinance your VA loan into a conventional loan

Many Nevada veterans successfully use their VA benefit multiple times throughout their lives.

No, the COE is issued to the veteran only. However, your spouse can be a co-borrower on the Nevada VA loan and will be on the title to the home.

Surviving spouses may qualify for a COE if:

• You're the un-remarried spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
• You're the spouse of a service member missing in action or prisoner of war

Surviving spouses who qualify should apply for their own COE using Form 26-1817 instead of Form 26-1880.

If your COE is denied, the VA will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient service time: You haven't met the minimum active-duty requirements (typically 90 days wartime or 181 days peacetime, or 6 years in Reserves/Guard)
• Character of discharge: You received a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge
• Missing documentation: The VA needs additional service records

What to do if denied:

• Review the denial letter carefully to understand the specific reason
• Gather any additional documentation requested by the VA
• Contact the VA at 1-877-827-3702 to discuss your case
• File an appeal if you believe the denial was in error

Our Nevada VA loan team can also review your situation and potentially identify alternative loan options like FHA or conventional financing.

Your COE is valid nationwide, not limited to Nevada. You can use your VA loan benefit to purchase a primary residence anywhere in the United States, including U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

However, the home must be your primary residence. You cannot use a VA loan for vacation homes or investment properties that you won't occupy. If you're buying in Nevada while stationed elsewhere, you (or your spouse/dependents) must intend to occupy the home within a reasonable time (typically 60 days of closing).