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Houston Regional Loan Center

Certificate of Eligibility

A Certificate of Eligibility is NOT Necessary for an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL). Your lender may use our e-mail confirmation procedure in lieu of a certificate if you are obtaining an IRRRL. For more information about VA refinance loans go to our refinance page.The easiest way to receive your certificate is through your lender. Most lenders can access our online Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) program and, in many cases, obtain your certificate in a matter of minutes. If you would like to request a certificate from our eligibility center, you will need to:

  • Complete VA Form 26-1880


  • Attach a copy of your DD 214 discharge papers. Note: If you do not have your DD 214 you can request one from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website.


  • If you are currently on active duty, you should obtain a statement of service signed by your commanding officer or authorized representative. The statement should show the date you entered active duty and state whether you have any lost time.
  • To request a copy of your military records, download and complete Standard Form 180


  • Note: If you have to request your military records, you will not be able to apply to VA for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) until you receive those records. However, your lender can still try to obtain a COE online.
  • Mail both documents (VA Form 26-1880 and a copy of your discharge papers) to the Eligibility center listed below:


    • VA Loan Eligibility Center
    PO Box 20729
    Winston-Salem, NC 27120

    For overnight delivery:
    VA Loan Eligibility Center
    251 N. Main St.
    Winston-Salem, NC 27155
    Toll free number: 1-888-244-6711
    E-mail: NCELIGIB@vba.va.gov

    The toll free telephone number to our Eligibility Center in North Carolina (1-888-244-6711) is now included in our telephone system. Callers can now select information regarding the home loan program or a menu option that allows them to speak to VA Eligibility personnel. To reach Eligibility, please make the following selections:
    (1) - Touchtone phone
    (1) - Eligibility
    (2) - Status



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