Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
A Certificate of Eligibility is the official document issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs that confirms a veteran or service member is eligible to use the VA loan benefit.
The COE verifies your military service history and shows your available entitlement — the amount the VA will guarantee on your behalf. Your lender can typically pull your COE electronically through the VA system, often within minutes.
A COE does not guarantee loan approval. It confirms your eligibility for the VA program, but you still need to meet the lender's credit, income, and property requirements. Think of it as the key that unlocks the door to VA financing — the rest of the qualification process follows. Learn more in our guide to common VA loan myths.
Why This Matters: Your COE is the starting point of every VA loan. Having it pulled early gives you and your lender a clear picture of your entitlement and whether any previous VA loan usage affects your current options.
Learn more about VA loans in Shreveport and Bossier City
Common VA Question
How do I get my Certificate of Eligibility?
Your lender can usually pull it electronically through the VA system. You can also request it yourself through the VA's eBenefits portal or by submitting VA Form 26-1880.
What does the COE show?
Your COE confirms your eligibility for a VA loan and shows your available entitlement. It also indicates whether you have used your VA benefit before and how much entitlement remains.
Related Topics
Related Mortgage Terms
Not sure if you have a COE or what your entitlement looks like? A quick review can answer that before you start shopping.
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