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Checklists

VA loan documents checklist.

VA loans help veterans, service members and some surviving spouses buy with no down payment. Most of the paperwork is standard, plus proof of service.

Proof of service

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Your lender can often request it for you online. You can also get it through VA.gov.
  • DD-214For veterans. The copy that shows the character of service.
  • Statement of serviceFor active-duty service members, signed by your commander or personnel office.
  • Surviving spouse documentsMarriage certificate and the veteran's DD-214, if that applies to you.

Income and assets

  • Photo IDFront and back.
  • Pay stubs or LES, last 30 daysLeave and Earnings Statements for active duty.
  • W-2s, last 2 yearsOne for every job, each year.
  • Bank statements, last 2 monthsAll pages.
  • VA disability award letterIf you receive disability pay.
  • Tax returns, last 2 yearsIf you're self-employed or have rental income.

What usually holds things up

  • Waiting on the COE when the lender could have pulled it online in minutes. Ask them first.
  • A DD-214 copy that doesn't show the character of service.
  • Missing LES pages for active-duty buyers.

Questions

Do VA loans need a down payment?
Usually not, for eligible buyers with full entitlement.

Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes. Your entitlement can often be restored or reused.

Is there a funding fee?
Usually, though some veterans with service-connected disabilities are exempt. Your lender will confirm.

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

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