Get Your DD214 for
VA Home Loan. Fast. Required. Guaranteed.
Your DD Form 214 is the required document VA lenders need to approve your home loan and issue your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Without it, you cannot close on your home purchase.
Don’t risk losing your dream home or locked-in interest rate waiting months for government processing. We’ve helped 50,000+ veterans secure VA loans faster with 3-5 day Express delivery.
“Under contract on home, lender needed DD214 for VA loan COE within 14 days or lose 3.5% rate lock. Government said 10 weeks. DD214Fast delivered in 4 days. Closed on time, saved $47,000 in interest over 30 years with that rate.”
Get Your DD214 for VA Loan in Days
Streamlined process so you can get your Certificate of Eligibility and close on your home purchase within days
Submit Service Info
Quick 3-minute form with service details: name, SSN, branch, dates. We handle all NPRC paperwork and routing.
Expert Processing
Our specialists route request to correct records center with daily tracking until DD214 received.
Receive DD214
Digital copy emailed in 3-5 days (Express) or 7-10 days (Standard). Certified hard copy mailed to your address.
Apply for VA Loan COE
Submit DD214 with VA Form 26-1880 to request Certificate of Eligibility. Provide COE to lender for loan approval.
DD214Fast vs Government Processing for VA Loans
Why veterans choose DD214Fast when they’re under contract and need DD214 for VA loan approval
Why DD214 is Required for VA Home Loans
Your DD214 unlocks zero-down payment home ownership and saves thousands in closing costs
VA Home Loan Benefits 2025
VA loans allow 100% financing with no down payment on homes up to $766,550 (2025 limit in most counties). No PMI required saves $200+/month. Competitive interest rates typically 0.25-0.50% lower than conventional loans saves $47,000+ over 30 years.
DD214 Required For:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): VA Form 26-1880 requires DD214 to prove 90+ days active duty (181 days peacetime or 90 days wartime for full entitlement)
- Lender approval: All VA-approved lenders require COE and DD214 verification before final loan approval and closing
- Funding fee waiver: Veterans with 10%+ VA disability rating save $7,666 funding fee on $400K loan – DD214 needed for waiver
- Multiple use eligibility: DD214 proves you can use VA loan benefit multiple times with restored entitlement
- Surviving spouse benefits: DD214 required for unremarried surviving spouses to access VA loan benefits after veteran’s death
VA Loan Financial Advantages
VA loans save veterans an average of $50,000-$100,000 over the life of the loan through zero down payment (save $80K on $400K home), no PMI ($200/month = $72K over 30 years), lower interest rates (0.25% lower = $30K saved on $400K), and seller can pay up to 4% closing costs ($16K on $400K purchase).
DD214 Required For:
- VA appraisal: Lender cannot order VA appraisal without approved COE from DD214 verification
- Interest rate locks: Cannot lock interest rate until lender verifies eligibility via DD214 and COE
- Closing date confirmation: Title companies require COE and DD214 in file before scheduling closing
- IRRRL refinancing: VA streamline refinance (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) requires DD214 even if you already have VA loan
- Cash-out refinance: DD214 needed to verify full entitlement available for VA cash-out refinance transactions
Real Veterans, Real Home Purchases
See how DD214Fast helped veterans close on their dream homes faster with timely DD214 delivery
“Under contract, lender needed DD214 for COE within 14 days or lose 3.5% rate lock. Government: 10 weeks. DD214Fast: 4 days. Closed on time, saved $47K interest over 30 years.”
“Lost original DD214, found dream home, needed COE ASAP. DD214Fast reconstructed in 5 days. Lender approved, closed with $0 down. $325K home, no PMI saving $215/month.”
“Rate lock expiring in 10 days, government said 8-12 weeks for DD214. DD214Fast Express: 3 days. Locked 3.25% rate before it jumped to 4.0%. Saved $63K over loan life.”
“30% VA disability, needed DD214 for funding fee waiver. DD214Fast: 4 days. Saved $7,666 funding fee on $400K loan. Worth way more than $149 Express fee.”
“Multiple offers on home, needed proof of VA loan eligibility fast. DD214Fast 5-day delivery got me COE. Seller accepted offer knowing I had financing ready. Won bidding war.”
“Surviving spouse, VA said I qualified for loan benefit. Needed husband’s DD214 for COE. DD214Fast found his records (1973 fire affected) in 7 days. Bought $280K home, $0 down.”
“Under contract, lender needed DD214 for COE within 14 days or lose 3.5% rate lock. Government: 10 weeks. DD214Fast: 4 days. Closed on time, saved $47K interest over 30 years.”
“Lost original DD214, found dream home, needed COE ASAP. DD214Fast reconstructed in 5 days. Lender approved, closed with $0 down. $325K home, no PMI saving $215/month.”
“Rate lock expiring in 10 days, government said 8-12 weeks for DD214. DD214Fast Express: 3 days. Locked 3.25% rate before it jumped to 4.0%. Saved $63K over loan life.”
“30% VA disability, needed DD214 for funding fee waiver. DD214Fast: 4 days. Saved $7,666 funding fee on $400K loan. Worth way more than $149 Express fee.”
“Multiple offers on home, needed proof of VA loan eligibility fast. DD214Fast 5-day delivery got me COE. Seller accepted offer knowing I had financing ready. Won bidding war.”
“Surviving spouse, VA said I qualified for loan benefit. Needed husband’s DD214 for COE. DD214Fast found his records (1973 fire affected) in 7 days. Bought $280K home, $0 down.”
Key Takeaways: DD214 for VA Home Loans
Essential information about using your DD214 to access VA loan benefits and purchase a home
🏠 VA Loan Benefits 2025
- Zero down payment: 100% financing up to $766,550 (most counties) – save $76,655+ on 10% down
- No PMI required: Save $200-$300/month ($72,000-$108,000 over 30 years)
- Lower interest rates: Typically 0.25-0.50% below conventional = $30,000-$60,000 saved on $400K loan
- Seller-paid closing costs: Up to 4% ($16,000 on $400K home) can be paid by seller
- Funding fee: 2.15% one-time fee ($8,600 on $400K) – waived with 10%+ VA disability
- DD214 REQUIRED for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove service eligibility
💰 Financial Impact of Delays
- Rate lock expiration: Typical 30-60 day locks expire if DD214 delayed – miss locked rate
- Interest rate increases: 0.25% rate increase = $19,000 extra interest on $400K/30yr loan
- Lost purchase opportunity: Seller moves to backup offer if you can’t close on time
- Bidding war disadvantage: Cannot prove financing eligibility without COE = weaker offer
- Earnest money risk: Financing contingency expires without COE = risk losing $5,000-$20,000 deposit
- $149 Express Service vs losing $47,000+ in extra interest = 315x ROI
⏱️ Processing Time Reality
- Government eVetRecs: 8-12 weeks (60-90 days) average, sometimes 16+ weeks during peak
- DD214Fast Express: 3-5 business days (4 day average) with daily tracking
- COE processing: VA processes COE in 2-10 days once they receive your DD214
- Lender timeline: Need COE 2-4 weeks before closing for underwriting and final approval
- Rate lock timeline: Most locks 30-60 days – government processing often exceeds lock period
- Under contract with 30-day close? Government DD214 won’t arrive in time – Express Service critical
VA Home Loan: Your Questions Answered
Comprehensive answers about using your DD214 for VA loan approval, COE, and home purchase
Do I need my DD214 to get a VA home loan?
Yes, absolutely. Your DD214 is required to obtain VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which VA lenders must have before approving your loan. Without DD214, you cannot get COE. Without COE, you cannot get VA loan approval. No DD214 = no VA loan.
The VA loan process requires DD214 at multiple stages: (1) You submit VA Form 26-1880 with DD214 to request Certificate of Eligibility (COE), (2) VA reviews DD214 to verify you meet service requirements (90 days active duty for post-9/11, 181 days for peacetime service), (3) VA issues COE showing your loan entitlement amount and eligibility status, (4) You provide COE to lender who verifies against your DD214, (5) Lender cross-references DD214 service dates, discharge status, and eligibility with COE, (6) Underwriter cannot approve loan without both COE and DD214 in file. Timeline matters: If under contract with 30-day close and DD214 takes 8-12 weeks from government, you’ll lose the home. DD214Fast Express delivers in 3-5 days, allowing time for COE processing and closing.
What is the VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and how do I get it?
COE is official VA document proving you’re eligible for VA loan benefit. Apply using VA Form 26-1880 with your DD214 attached. VA processes in 2-10 days and issues COE showing entitlement amount. You provide COE to lender for loan approval. DD214 is mandatory for COE application.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) process: (1) Complete VA Form 26-1880 online at eBenefits or by mail, (2) Attach DD214 Member 4 Copy proving service dates and discharge status, (3) VA reviews eligibility (90+ days active duty for full entitlement), (4) VA issues COE within 2-10 days showing basic entitlement ($36,000 in most counties, up to $766,550 total in high-cost areas), (5) Submit COE to lender along with DD214 for loan application, (6) Lender verifies service against COE and DD214, (7) Underwriter uses COE to determine maximum loan amount and funding fee percentage. COE Types: Full entitlement (first-time VA loan use), Partial entitlement (prior VA loan still active), Restored entitlement (prior VA loan paid off). Without DD214, VA cannot issue COE. Without COE, lender cannot approve VA loan.
How much can I save with a VA loan vs conventional loan?
Veterans save $50,000-$100,000 over loan lifetime with VA benefits. $0 down saves $80K upfront on $400K home. No PMI saves $72K-$108K over 30 years. Lower rates save $30K-$60K in interest. Seller-paid closing costs save $16K. Total savings massively outweigh $149 DD214 Express fee.
VA loan savings breakdown on $400,000 home purchase: Down payment: Conventional requires 10-20% down ($40K-$80K). VA allows $0 down = save $80,000 upfront that you can use for renovations, furniture, or emergency fund. PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance): Conventional with <20% down requires PMI at $200-$300/month until 20% equity. Over 30 years = $72,000-$108,000. VA has no PMI ever. Interest rates: VA loans typically 0.25-0.50% lower than conventional. 0.25% lower rate on $400K/30yr = $30,000 saved. 0.50% lower = $60,000 saved. Closing costs: Sellers can pay up to 4% of purchase price ($16,000 on $400K) for VA buyers – not allowed for conventional. Funding fee: One-time VA funding fee of 2.15% ($8,600 on $400K) – waived completely for veterans with 10%+ VA disability rating. Total savings: $50,000-$150,000 depending on rate and disability status. All contingent on having DD214 to prove eligibility.
What happens if my rate lock expires waiting for DD214?
Rate locks typically last 30-60 days. If DD214 takes 8-12 weeks from government, lock expires and you must take current market rate. A 0.25% rate increase costs $19,000 extra interest on $400K/30yr loan. DD214Fast Express (3-5 days) prevents lock expiration.
Rate lock expiration consequences: Lost locked rate: When you make offer, lender locks interest rate for 30-60 days (typically 45 days). Government DD214 processing takes 60-90 days. If DD214 doesn’t arrive before lock expires, you lose locked rate and must accept current market rate. Financial impact: If rates increased 0.25% during lock period, you pay $19,000 more in interest over 30-year $400K loan. If rates increased 0.50%, you pay $38,000 more. Extension costs: Rate lock extensions cost 0.125-0.25% of loan amount per 15 days ($500-$1,000 on $400K loan). Multiple extensions add up fast. Lost purchase: Seller may refuse to wait for extended lock and move to backup offer. Prevention: DD214Fast Express delivers in 3-5 days. You get DD214, apply for COE, receive COE within 2 weeks total, close within lock period. Example: Make offer January 1, lock 3.75% rate for 45 days (expires February 15). File DD214Fast Express January 2, receive DD214 January 6, apply for COE January 7, receive COE January 15, close February 1. Lock never at risk.
Can I use VA loan with $0 down payment?
Yes! VA loans allow 100% financing with $0 down on homes up to $766,550 (2025 conforming loan limit in most counties). No minimum down payment required. This saves $76,655+ upfront that conventional loans require as 10-20% down. DD214 proves eligibility for this benefit.
VA $0 down payment details: How it works: VA guarantees portion of loan (typically 25%) which allows lenders to offer 100% financing without PMI. You pay $0 at closing (except closing costs, which seller can pay up to 4%). Loan limits 2025: Most counties: $766,550 with $0 down. High-cost areas (CA, NY, DC, HI): Up to $1,149,825. Above conforming limit: Can still use VA loan but must make down payment on amount exceeding limit. Example: $400,000 home in standard county = $0 down, borrow full $400K. $900,000 home in high-cost county = $0 down, borrow full $900K. $1,200,000 home in high-cost county = down payment on $50,175 over limit, borrow $1,149,825. Savings: Conventional 10% down on $400K = $40,000 upfront. VA $0 down = save entire $40,000 you can use for closing costs, moving, renovations, furniture, or keep as emergency fund. Requirements: DD214 proving 90+ days active duty (or 181 days peacetime), Honorable discharge, Sufficient income to support mortgage payments, Adequate credit score (most lenders want 620+).
Do I have to pay PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) on a VA loan?
No, VA loans never require PMI regardless of down payment. This saves $200-$300/month ($72,000-$108,000 over 30 years). You pay one-time funding fee instead (2.15% = $8,600 on $400K) which can be rolled into loan. Veterans with 10%+ VA disability get funding fee waived – need DD214 for waiver.
PMI vs VA funding fee comparison: Conventional PMI: Required when down payment <20%. Costs $200-$300/month on $400K loan. Continues until 20% equity reached (typically 6-10 years). Total PMI cost: $14,400-$36,000 over 6-10 years, or $72,000-$108,000 if you never refinance over 30 years. VA funding fee: One-time fee of 2.15% for first-time VA loan use with $0 down ($8,600 on $400K). Funding fee 1.25% if using VA loan 2nd+ time ($5,000 on $400K). Fee can be rolled into loan amount, so you pay $0 at closing. Fee amortizes over 30 years = $43/month equivalent. Waiver for disabled veterans: 10%+ VA disability rating = funding fee waived completely. Save entire $8,600. Must provide DD214 and VA disability letter to lender for waiver. Net savings: Even with funding fee, VA loan saves $63,400-$99,400 compared to conventional PMI over 30 years. With disability waiver, save entire $72,000-$108,000.
What if I lost my original DD214?
No problem. DD214Fast retrieves replacement DD214 from NPRC in 3-5 days (Express) or 7-10 days (Standard). Replacement is Service 2 Copy stamped “certified true copy” – fully accepted by VA and all lenders for COE and loan approval. Same legal validity as original Member 4 Copy.
Lost DD214 replacement process: What you get: NPRC issues Service 2 Copy (or Service 4 Copy) stamped “certified true copy of record on file.” Contains identical information to your original Member 4 Copy: service dates, discharge status, awards, character of service. Fully accepted by VA for COE application and all lenders for loan approval. Timeline: DD214Fast Express retrieves in 3-5 business days. Standard service: 7-10 days. Government eVetRecs: 60-90 days. 1973 fire records: 18 million Army (1912-1960) and Air Force (1947-1964) records destroyed in fire. DD214Fast specializes in reconstructing fire-affected records using alternate sources (state Adjutant General files, unit records, pay records). Reconstruction typically 7-10 days with Express Service vs 12-16+ weeks through government. Using replacement for VA loan: Submit Service 2 Copy with VA Form 26-1880 for COE – VA accepts as primary verification. Provide same Service 2 Copy to lender for loan file – no additional documentation needed. Real example: Veteran lost DD214, found dream home, seller gave 30 days to close. DD214Fast delivered replacement in 4 days, got COE in 7 days, closed on day 28. Government route would have taken 75+ days = lost home.
Can I use VA loan more than once?
Yes! VA loan benefit can be used multiple times. Full entitlement restores when you sell home and pay off VA loan. Can also use remaining entitlement to buy second home while keeping first VA loan. DD214 required each time you apply for new COE for subsequent VA loan use.
Multiple VA loan use scenarios: Scenario 1 – Sell and buy: Buy first home with VA loan. Sell home, pay off VA loan. Full entitlement restores automatically. Buy second home with VA loan. Can repeat unlimited times throughout life. Scenario 2 – Keep first, buy second: Buy first home with VA loan ($300K). Full entitlement in most counties = $766,550. Remaining entitlement = $466,550. Can use remaining entitlement to buy second home up to $466,550 while keeping first VA loan active. Scenario 3 – Refinance existing VA loan: Have conventional loan, want to refinance to VA loan. Can use VA benefit even if used before (as long as entitlement available). IRRRL (VA streamline refinance) requires DD214 even if you already have VA loan. Entitlement amounts 2025: Basic entitlement: $36,000. Total entitlement most counties: $766,550 (4x conforming loan limit). High-cost counties: Up to $1,149,825. Restoration process: Sell home and pay off VA loan = automatic restoration (no action needed). One-time restoration without selling (if loan assumed by another veteran or you repay VA for any loss). DD214 requirement: Each time you apply for new COE for subsequent VA loan use, you must submit DD214 again with Form 26-1880. VA verifies service and entitlement status. This is true even 20+ years after discharge.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
VA sets no minimum credit score, but most lenders require 620+. Some lenders approve 580-619 with compensating factors. Lower rates offered at 660+, best rates at 720+. Credit score doesn’t affect VA eligibility – as long as you have DD214 proving service, you can get COE regardless of credit.
Credit score requirements and impact: VA guidelines: VA itself has no minimum credit score requirement for COE eligibility. As long as DD214 proves 90+ days active duty and honorable discharge, VA will issue COE. However, individual lenders set their own credit standards for loan approval. Lender requirements 2025: Most VA lenders want 620+ credit score for approval. Some specialty lenders approve 580-619 with strong compensating factors (high income, low DTI, significant assets, stable employment). Very few lenders go below 580. Interest rate tiers: 620-659 = higher rates (typically +0.50-0.75% above best rates). 660-719 = mid-tier rates (typically +0.25-0.50%). 720+ = best available VA rates. Example: $400K loan at 3.50% (720+ score) = $1,796/month P&I. Same loan at 4.00% (640 score) = $1,910/month = $114/month more = $41,040 over 30 years. Improving credit before applying: If score below 620, consider 3-6 month credit repair before home shopping. Pay down credit cards below 30% utilization, dispute errors on credit report, avoid new credit inquiries. Can often boost score 40-60 points in 3-6 months. Once you have DD214 and COE, credit repair doesn’t expire your eligibility – you can wait to apply for actual loan until credit improved.
What is the VA funding fee and can it be waived?
VA funding fee is one-time charge of 2.15% on first-time VA loan use ($8,600 on $400K). Can be rolled into loan. Fee waived completely for veterans with 10%+ VA disability rating – saves entire $8,600. Must provide DD214 and VA disability letter to lender for waiver approval.
Funding fee details and waiver eligibility: Fee structure 2025: First-time use with $0 down = 2.15% of loan amount. First-time use with 5%+ down = 1.50%. First-time use with 10%+ down = 1.25%. Subsequent use with $0 down = 3.30%. Subsequent use with 5%+ down = 1.50%. Subsequent use with 10%+ down = 1.25%. Reserves/National Guard = add 0.25% to above rates. Payment options: Can pay at closing (cash to lender). Can roll into loan amount (most common – increases loan by fee amount but spreads payment over 30 years). Waiver eligibility: Veterans receiving VA compensation for service-connected disability (10%+ rating) = 100% waived. Surviving spouses receiving DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) = waived. Purple Heart recipients = waived. Veterans approved for disability but not yet receiving payment = may be waived with documentation. How to claim waiver: Provide DD214 to lender showing service dates. Provide VA disability award letter showing compensation percentage. Lender verifies with VA and removes funding fee from closing disclosure. Savings example: $400,000 loan, first-time use, $0 down = $8,600 funding fee. 30% disability rating = fee waived, save $8,600. If rolled into loan at 3.75%, waiver saves $43/month = $15,480 in principal + interest over 30 years. Without DD214, lender cannot verify disability status for waiver.
Can surviving spouses use VA loan benefit?
Yes, if veteran died from service-connected condition OR you receive DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation). Unmarried surviving spouses get full VA loan benefit with $0 down, no PMI, funding fee waived. Must have veteran’s DD214 to prove service eligibility and obtain COE.
Surviving spouse VA loan eligibility: Qualifying conditions: (1) Veteran died from service-connected disability, OR (2) Surviving spouse receives DIC payments from VA, AND (3) Spouse has not remarried, OR remarried after age 57. Benefits available: Full VA loan benefit same as veteran: $0 down payment, No PMI ever, Lower interest rates, Funding fee waived, Seller can pay closing costs, Can use benefit multiple times. Required documents: Deceased veteran’s DD214 (Member 4, Service 2, or Service 4 copy), VA award letter showing DIC payments OR proof of service-connected death, Marriage certificate proving relationship to veteran, Death certificate. COE application: Submit VA Form 26-1880 with veteran’s DD214 and supporting documents. VA verifies eligibility and issues COE in surviving spouse’s name. Provide COE to lender for loan approval. If veteran’s DD214 was lost: DD214Fast can retrieve veteran’s DD214 from NPRC using veteran’s service information (name, SSN, dates of service, branch). Express Service delivers in 3-5 days. Surviving spouse applies using deceased veteran’s DD214 – this is standard and accepted process. Example: Army veteran dies 2020 from service-connected cancer. Widow receives DIC. 2025, she wants to buy $350K home. Submits husband’s DD214 (retrieved via DD214Fast in 4 days), gets COE in 5 days, approved for $0 down VA loan, saves $35K down payment + $72K in PMI over loan life.
My records were in the 1973 NPRC fire. Can you still get my DD214 for VA loan?
Yes. The 1973 fire destroyed 18 million Army/Air Force records, but your DD214 can be reconstructed using alternate sources. DD214Fast has specialized expertise in fire-affected records. Express Service typically delivers reconstructed DD214s in 7-10 days versus 12-16+ weeks through government.
Yes, we specialize in this. The 1973 fire destroyed 18 million records (Army 1912-1960, Air Force 1947-1964). We reconstruct using state Adjutant General records, National Archives unit records, final pay vouchers, medical records, personnel records from other federal agencies. Express Service: 7-10 days for reconstruction vs 12-16+ weeks government. 95% success rate. For VA loan approval, reconstructed DD214 must include all information lenders need: service dates (proving 90+ days active duty), discharge status (Honorable required), discharge date, branch of service, awards and decorations. VA COE with reconstructed DD214: VA accepts reconstructed DD214 same as original. As long as it shows service dates and honorable discharge, VA will issue COE. Lenders accept NPRC-certified reconstructed DD214 for loan approval – this is standard process for fire-affected records. Real example: Army veteran (1955-1958), records destroyed in fire. Found home December 2024, needed DD214 for VA loan. DD214Fast reconstructed using Texas Adjutant General files in 8 days. Received COE in 6 days. Closed on $380K home with $0 down January 2025. Government route would have taken 16+ weeks = missed home purchase entirely.
People Also Ask About DD214 & VA Home Loans
Fast answers to common questions veterans search for about DD214 and VA loan approval
How long does it take to get COE with DD214?
VA processes COE in 2-10 days once they receive your DD214. Apply online at eBenefits with DD214 upload = typically 2-3 days. Mail application = 7-10 days. Total timeline depends on DD214 availability: DD214Fast (3-5 days) + COE (2-3 days) = COE in hand within 8 days. Government DD214 (60-90 days) + COE (7 days) = 67-97 days total.
What is full vs partial VA loan entitlement?
Full entitlement = $766,550 in most counties (4x 2025 conforming loan limit). Means you can borrow up to $766,550 with $0 down. Partial entitlement = you’ve used portion of benefit on existing VA loan. Example: Used $300K, have $466,550 remaining. DD214 proves service for both full and partial entitlement verification.
Can lenders see my discharge status on DD214?
Yes, DD214 Box 24 shows character of discharge: Honorable, General Under Honorable Conditions, Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable. VA loans require Honorable or General discharge. Lenders verify discharge status against COE. Other than Honorable or worse = not eligible for VA loan benefit.
What documents do I need for VA loan closing?
Required: COE + DD214 + standard mortgage docs. Lender needs both COE and DD214 in file before closing. Also needed: Pay stubs (2 months), W-2s (2 years), tax returns (2 years), bank statements (2 months), photo ID, proof of residency. If disabled veteran claiming funding fee waiver: VA disability award letter.
Do VA loans require home inspections?
VA requires appraisal with minimum property requirements (MPRs) but does not require full home inspection. VA appraisal checks: roof condition, HVAC working, no peeling paint, adequate heat/water, safe electrical/plumbing. Smart buyers still get independent inspection. Lender orders VA appraisal only after COE verified with DD214.
What is VA IRRRL (streamline refinance)?
IRRRL = Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan. VA streamline refinance to lower rate on existing VA loan. Minimal documentation, no appraisal usually required, no income verification. Still need DD214 to prove eligibility even if you already have VA loan. Funding fee 0.50% ($2,000 on $400K). Lower rates by 0.50% = save $38,000 over remaining loan term.
Can I use VA loan for investment property?
No, VA loans are for primary residence only. Must certify you intend to occupy within 60 days of closing and live there minimum 12 months. Cannot use for rental properties, vacation homes, or fix-and-flip. Can buy multi-unit (2-4 units) and rent out other units while living in one. DD214 proves service but doesn’t override occupancy requirement.
What is the VA loan limit for 2025?
No limit if you have full entitlement. Can borrow any amount lender approves with $0 down. If partial entitlement or want loan above $766,550, may need down payment on amount exceeding conforming loan limit. High-cost counties: up to $1,149,825. DD214 proves eligibility for entitlement, doesn’t set loan amount – that’s based on income and DTI.
Can I buy a condo with VA loan?
Yes, if condo is VA-approved. Building must be on VA’s approved condo list. Check VA Lender Portal for approved projects. If not approved, condo can apply for approval (takes 2-4 weeks). All VA loan benefits apply: $0 down, no PMI, funding fee. Still need DD214 for COE and loan approval.
What happens if I default on VA loan?
Foreclosure process same as conventional loans. Miss payments → lender files foreclosure → lose home. VA may be liable for portion of loss (up to guarantee amount). This can reduce your future VA entitlement until you repay VA. Doesn’t lose VA benefit permanently, but may limit future loan amounts until made whole. Avoid by working with lender on forbearance/modification if having trouble.
Can I get VA loan with bankruptcy in my past?
Yes, after waiting period. Chapter 7 bankruptcy: 2 years from discharge date with re-established credit. Chapter 13: 1 year into payment plan with trustee approval and good payment history. Must show credit repair, stable employment, adequate income. DD214 proves VA eligibility – bankruptcy affects loan approval, not VA benefit entitlement.
What is VA loan assumption and do I need DD214?
VA loans are assumable. Buyer can take over your existing VA loan with same rate/terms. Non-veteran can assume (but doesn’t free your entitlement). Another veteran can assume AND free your entitlement to use again. Assuming veteran needs their DD214 to prove eligibility. You keep your DD214 – not transferred with home sale.
Can I use VA loan for manufactured/mobile home?
Yes, if permanently affixed to land you own. Home must be built after 6/15/1976 (HUD code), classified as real property, on permanent foundation, titled as real estate (not personal property). Land and home financed together. Same VA benefits apply: $0 down, no PMI. Still need DD214 for COE.
How much income do I need for VA loan?
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) typically 41% max. Example: $6,000/month gross income = $2,460 max total monthly debt (mortgage + car + cards + loans). VA has no set minimum income – based on ability to support payments. Residual income requirements vary by region and family size. DD214 proves eligibility, income determines loan amount approval.
What is VA Native American Direct Loan (NADL)?
NADL helps Native American veterans buy/build/improve homes on Federal Trust Land. VA directly funds loans (not through lenders). Available on trust land where conventional financing not available. Same benefits: low rates, no PMI. Requires DD214 proving veteran status + proof of tribal enrollment/land trust status.
Can I get VA loan for lot purchase only?
No, VA loans don’t cover land-only purchases. Must finance land + construction simultaneously as VA construction loan, OR already own land and use VA loan to build home, OR buy existing home on land. Cannot use VA to buy vacant lot to build on later. DD214 required for any VA loan use involving land.
What is the VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)?
EEM allows borrowing extra for energy improvements. Add up to $6,000 to loan for energy-efficient upgrades (solar, insulation, HVAC, windows). Don’t need appraisal showing increased value. Improvements paid at closing. Monthly energy savings can offset higher payment. Still need DD214 for base VA loan + EEM eligibility.
Can Active Duty service members use VA loan?
Yes, with 90+ days continuous active duty. Don’t need to wait for discharge. Get Statement of Service from unit commander showing service dates and expected discharge. Use Statement of Service instead of DD214 for COE application. Once discharged, submit DD214 to lender to finalize loan file. Often used for PCS moves or pre-discharge home purchase.
What is VA cash-out refinance and do I need DD214?
Cash-out refinance lets you borrow against home equity. Refinance for more than you owe, take difference in cash. Use for debt consolidation, home improvements, emergency funds. Max 90% LTV ($360K cash-out on $400K home). Funding fee 2.15%-3.30%. Yes, need DD214 even if you already have VA loan – proves continuing eligibility.
How fast can I get DD214 for urgent home purchase?
DD214Fast Express: 3-5 days. Digital copy emailed, certified hard copy mailed. Standard: 7-10 days. Government: 8-12 weeks. If you’re under contract with 30-day close, Express Service ensures you get DD214 in time for COE application and loan approval. $149 Express vs losing $47,000+ in higher interest = obvious choice.
Get Your DD214 for VA Home Loan Today
Don’t risk losing your dream home or rate lock waiting months for government processing. Express Service delivers in 3-5 days so you can get your COE and close on time.
50,000+ veterans trust DD214Fast. Since 1992, we’ve helped veterans close on homes faster with 3-5 day Express delivery. If you’re under contract with a rate lock or closing deadline, waiting 8-12 weeks for government processing risks losing the home and locked rate. Our Express Service pays for itself many times over if it saves your purchase.