Refinance documents checklist.

Everyone

• Photo IDFor everyone on the loan. Front and back.
• Pay stubs, last 30 daysEvery page.
• W-2s, last 2 yearsOne for every job, each year.
• Bank statements, last 2 monthsAll pages, even the blank ones.
• Current mortgage statementYour most recent one. Include any second mortgage or equity line.
• Homeowners insuranceThe declarations page, with your insurance agent's contact info.

If it applies to you

• Federal tax returns, last 2 yearsIf you're self-employed, earn commission, or have rental income.
• HOA contact and duesIf you have an HOA.
• Property tax billIf taxes aren't paid through your mortgage.
• Divorce decreeIf an ex-spouse is coming off the loan or title.

What usually holds things up

• Insurance agents who take days to send the declarations page. Ask on day one.
• Forgetting an equity line until the title search finds it.
• Missing pages on bank statements.

Questions

Do I need an appraisal to refinance?
Often yes, though some loans skip it. The lender orders it; you just make the home available.

How is this different from buying?
No purchase contract, but the lender needs your current mortgage, insurance and details on the home you already own.

Updated November 2026. Every lender, landlord and preparer is a little different, so treat this as a starting list, not legal or tax advice.