Do You Need a DD214 for a VA Loan?
Demystify the DD214's role in VA home loan eligibility and learn how to secure your benefit.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program offers a significant benefit, enabling eligible service members and veterans to achieve homeownership. This program provides favorable terms, often including no down payment requirements. A foundational document in accessing these benefits is the DD214, which establishes an individual’s military service and is a preliminary step in the VA loan process. It serves as an initial gateway, connecting military service to potential home loan advantages.
The DD214 and VA Loan Eligibility
The DD Form 214, formally known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, serves as official proof of military service. This document is issued upon a service member’s retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty. Its purpose is to verify an individual’s service record, including dates of entry and separation, character of discharge, and military job specialties.
While the DD214 itself is not submitted directly to a mortgage lender for the loan application, it is a prerequisite for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE is the formal document from the VA that verifies an individual meets the military service requirements for a VA-backed home loan. Lenders typically use the DD214 to acquire the COE, which then allows them to proceed with the loan process. Without this proof of service, the application process for a VA home loan cannot advance.
Obtaining Your DD214
Service members typically receive a copy of their DD214 upon separation or discharge from active military duty. If the original document is lost or misplaced, official copies can be requested through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), specifically via the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Online requests can be made via the eVetRecs system on the National Archives website, which often requires identity verification. Alternatively, individuals can complete a Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form 180) and submit it by mail or fax to the NPRC.
When requesting the DD214, provide the service member’s full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and branches and dates of service. While online submissions can be faster, mail requests may take several weeks to process.
Other VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
Beyond possessing a DD214, applicants must meet specific service requirements to qualify for a VA home loan. Generally, this includes serving 90 continuous days of active duty during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime. Members of the National Guard or Reserves may qualify with six years of service, or 90 days of active duty service, with at least 30 consecutive days under Title 32 orders. Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability may also be eligible.
Lenders also consider additional financial criteria beyond military service. While the VA does not set a minimum credit score, most lenders typically look for a score of 620 or higher. Lenders assess an applicant’s income to ensure it is stable and sufficient to repay the loan, often requiring at least two years of employment history. They also review debt-to-income ratios and residual income to confirm that borrowers have enough discretionary income after major expenses.
Applying for Your Certificate of Eligibility
After meeting eligibility requirements, the next step is to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). There are three primary methods for obtaining a COE. The most common and often quickest way is through a VA-approved mortgage lender, who can access the VA’s automated system and frequently retrieve the COE instantly or within 24 to 48 hours.
Another option is to apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal. Individuals can submit their request through the portal, potentially receiving the COE within minutes. Finally, a COE can be requested by mail by completing VA Form 26-1880 and sending it to the appropriate VA regional loan center. Mail applications typically have a longer processing time, often ranging from 4 to 6 weeks.