How to Get DD-214 and Certificate of Eligibility: The 2025 Guide

By Jerry Robinson, CEO/Broker, NMLS 4475 | 1st Choice Mortgage

If you are trying to figure out How to Get DD-214 and Certificate of Eligibility documents for your home loan, you probably feel like you are back in the service dealing with admin red tape. Paperwork is rarely the highlight of a veteran's day, but when it comes to buying a home, these two pieces of paper are your golden tickets.

The good news? You don’t always have to dig through your attic or wait weeks for the National Archives. In fact, for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), there is a shortcut that most veterans don’t know about.

At 1st Choice Mortgage, we believe you served your country hard enough - you shouldn’t have to fight to use your benefits. Here is the definitive, reporter-style guide to securing your documents quickly.

The Basics: What Are These Documents?

Before we tell you how to find them, let’s clarify why every lender asks for them.

1. The DD-214 (The “Exit Papers”)

Technically called the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, this form is your official proof of service. It details your dates of service, your discharge status (e.g., Honorable, General), and your separation code.

Why lenders need it: It proves you are actually a veteran and that your discharge status qualifies you for VA benefits.

2. The Certificate of Eligibility (The “Golden Ticket”)

The COE is a document issued directly by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It doesn’t just say you are eligible; it tells the lender exactly how much entitlement you have available and if you are exempt from the VA Funding Fee (usually due to a service-connected disability).

Why lenders need it: It guarantees the loan. Without it, the loan cannot close.

How to Get Your DD-214

If you cannot find your physical copy, do not panic. The government has digitized much of this process. Here are your three best options:

• Option A: milConnect (Fastest). If you have a DS Logon, you can log into the milConnect website and view your personnel file online.
• Option B: The National Archives (eVetRecs). You can submit a request through the National Archives eVetRecs system. Be warned: this can sometimes take weeks if the records are older.
• Option C: State VA Office. Many veterans filed a copy with their specific State Department of Veterans Affairs upon discharge. They can often produce a certified copy faster than the feds.

How to Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

This is where things get easier. You typically have two paths, and one is significantly faster than the other.

The Hard Way: Do It Yourself

You can log into the VA eBenefits portal. You will need to navigate the site, upload your proof of service (DD-214), and wait for the automated system to generate the letter. If there is a glitch or a data mismatch, you might be stuck on hold with the VA.

The Easy Way: Let Us Get It (Instant Access)

Most veterans don’t realize that approved lenders like 1st Choice Mortgage have direct access to the VA’s “Web LGY” system.

We can usually pull your COE for you in minutes.

We don’t need your login password. We simply need your basic data (Name, SSN, Date of Birth). As long as the VA has your records updated, we can click a button, download your Certificate of Eligibility instantly, and save you the headache.

What If I’m Active Duty or Surviving Spouse?

• Active Duty: You won’t have a DD-214 yet. Instead, you need a Statement of Service (SOS) signed by your commanding officer (or adjutant/personnel office). It must include your full name, SSN, entry date, and lost time (if any).  1st Choice Mortgage is very experienced is requested the SOS
• Surviving Spouses: If your spouse passed away due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible. This requires a specific form (VA Form 26-1817) and usually takes a manual review by the VA.  1st Choice Mortgage can also assist in this for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get a VA loan without a DD-214?

If you are a veteran who has separated from service, generally no. The DD-214 is the primary proof of service. However, if you are currently Active Duty, you use a Statement of Service instead.

2. Does a COE mean I am approved for a loan?

No. The COE only proves you are eligible for the VA benefit. It does not mean you qualify for the mortgage. You still need to meet credit score, income, and debt-to-income requirements set by the lender.

3. Is the Certificate of Eligibility free?

Yes. The VA does not charge for the document, and 1st Choice Mortgage will never charge you to pull it for you. Beware of third-party websites that ask for payment to “find” your military records.

4. What if my COE shows “0” entitlement?

This usually means you have used your VA loan benefit before and haven’t restored it yet (perhaps you still own the previous home). We can help you calculate “Bonus Entitlement” to see if you can still buy a second home using your remaining benefits.

Skip the Red Tape

You did the hard work serving our country. Let us handle the paperwork.

Contact us today. We can pull your COE instantly and start your journey to homeownership.

Need to know more about VA Loan in Idaho, we are the experts for Veteran Mortgages. Contact us Today!

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