VA Loan Requirements: How To Qualify

Q: Is there a minimum credit score for a VA loan?

The VA doesn’t require a minimum credit score to qualify for a VA loan, but mortgage lenders often set their own requirements. Minimum credit score requirements often range from 580 to 620 or higher, depending on the lender.

Q: Can surviving spouses qualify for VA loans?

In many cases, yes. Certain surviving spouses may qualify for a VA loan , including some unremarried spouses of service members who died in service, veterans who died from a service-connected disability, or service members who are missing in action or prisoners of war. Some surviving spouses who receive or qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) may also be eligible. Remarriage and other eligibility rules may apply.

Q: Do VA loans require a down payment?

In most cases, VA loans don’t require a down payment . Potentially qualifying for a mortgage with $0 down is one of the benefits of the VA loan program if you have full entitlement and sufficient bonus entitlement, provided the home you want isn’t priced above its appraised value.

Q: Can you use a VA loan twice?

You can use a VA loan multiple times. If you sell the property you bought with your first VA loan and repay the debt, you’ll restore your entitlement (the portion of the loan the VA guarantees). Even if you have an outstanding VA loan, you may be able to apply for a second VA loan using your bonus entitlement or tier 2 entitlement. However, you may need to make a down payment or pay a higher funding fee, depending on the loan amount and other factors.

Q: What can disqualify you from a VA loan?

If you don’t meet the VA service requirements or a qualifying exception, you won’t be eligible for a VA loan. Applying for a loan for a property that won’t be your primary residence or that doesn’t meet property standards can also disqualify you. Even if you satisfy the VA's service requirements, you also need to meet the lender’s minimum credit score and minimum income requirements to qualify for a loan.

VA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that can be used to purchase a home or for other approved purposes such as refinancing and home construction. They're provided by banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and other private lenders approved by the VA. Since the VA generally guarantees up to 25% of the loan amount (subject to the borrower’s available entitlement), lenders may offer more favorable terms.

VA loans generally don't require a down payment and are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. You can qualify for a VA loan if you meet minimum service requirements, served in qualifying military roles, or were discharged under a qualifying exception (such as a disability related to your military service).

This guide explains how to apply for a VA mortgage, the requirements for VA loans, and how to get a Certificate of Eligibility to prove you meet the service requirements.

What are the requirements for a VA loan?

The VA establishes minimum eligibility requirements for VA loans, but lenders may impose additional requirements. You must meet both VA and lender requirements to get approved, including the following:

Certificate of Eligibility: A COE may be available if you meet minimum active-duty service requirements, were discharged under a qualifying exception, or are a surviving spouse. A COE verifies that you're eligible for a VA-backed loan.
Proof of income: Most lenders require bank statements, tax returns, or other documents showing at least a two-year employment history
Credit score and credit history: The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, but lenders typically set their own minimum requirements and review your credit history.
Documentation of debts: VA lenders generally prefer a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) no higher than 41%. But borrowers with higher DTIs may still qualify based on residual income and other compensating factors.
Home appraisal: Purchase and cash-out refinance loans typically require a home appraisal from a VA-approved appraiser. Exceptions can include Interest Rate Reduction Loans (IRRL).
VA funding fee: Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must pay a one-time VA funding fee ranging from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount for purchase loans. The exact fee depends on your down payment and whether you’ve used a VA-backed loan before.

You can generally qualify for a VA home loan without making a down payment, but there are exceptions. For example, you may need to make a down payment if:

You have another VA loan or haven’t restored previously used entitlement, and your remaining entitlement isn’t sufficient to support the new loan amount without a down payment.
You don’t have enough remaining bonus entitlement for the amount you want to borrow
You want to buy a home with a sale price higher than the appraised value.

Who is eligible for a VA loan?

The table below outlines the key requirements for VA loan eligibility, while the sections that follow explain each requirement in detail.

Requirement type	Key requirements	What it means
Service	Meet one of these service requirements: At least 90 days of service for active-duty service members 90 days to 24 months of service for veterans (depending on date of service) Discharged according to a qualifying exception Held certain military roles Eligible surviving spouse	The VA sets eligibility requirements and provides a Certificate of Eligibility to give to lenders.
Financial criteria	No VA-set minimum credit score; lenders establish their own requirements, commonly around 580 to 620 or higher. Stable employment history (recent military service counts) Sufficient residual income to manage your housing expenses	VA loan providers set their own credit and income requirements. Qualification criteria may vary by lender.
Property	A primarily residential housing unit with sufficient living space Safe and durable mechanical systems Heating, hot water safe for drinking, safe sewage disposal, and electricity Adequate ventilation and roof covering	The VA determines minimum property requirements (MPRs). A VA-approved appraiser must confirm the property meets minimum standards.
Occupancy	You must intend to live in the home as your primary residence and move into the home within 60 days of closing — an exception may be permitted in certain cases, like if your spouse or dependent lives in the home while you’re deployed or employed long-distance.	While the VA sets occupancy requirements, lenders enforce them.
Down payment, mortgage insurance, and closing costs	Down payments aren't generally required, but a down payment reduces the funding fee and helps build home equity faster. No mortgage insurance required. You may need to pay at least some closing costs.	The VA determines down payment requirements, but closing costs may vary by state and individual transaction. The buyer and seller can negotiate who pays which fees.
VA funding fee	A one-time fee between 1.25% and 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on the down payment	VA funding fees are determined by the VA and vary by loan type. VA funding fees are not required in certain situations, including for borrowers receiving service-connected disability payments.

Wounded warrior benefit

VA funding fee exemptions also include active-duty service members who have been awarded a Purple Heart. Recipients are required to provide documentation of their Purple Heart on or before the date of closing.

What are the service requirements?

Servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses who meet the following service requirements (or who qualify for an exception) may be eligible for a VA-backed home loan.

Service members with a minimum of 90 continuous days of active service
National Guard members who are actively serving, retired, or honorably discharged and who have at least 90 days of qualifying non-training Title 10 active-duty service, or 90 days of qualifying Title 32 active-duty service (including at least 30 consecutive days), or 6 creditable years of Guard service
Reserve members who have at least 90 days of qualifying non-training active-duty service or 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve and who are still serving, were honorably discharged, or were placed on the retired list
Veterans: If you served after August 2, 1990, you must have served for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the full period you were called to active duty, which cannot be less than 90 days unless you meet an exception. Requirements vary by service date, so find your dates for specific requirements.

If you don’t meet the minimum service requirements but were discharged under one of the qualifying exceptions below, you may still be eligible for a VA home loan.

Hardship
The convenience of the government, provided you served at least 20 months
Early out, provided you served at least 21 months
Involuntary reduction in force
Certain medical conditions
Service-connected disability

You also may be eligible for a VA-backed mortgage if:

You’re the spouse of an active-duty servicemember who is missing in action or being held as a prisoner of war
You’re a surviving spouse eligible for certain types of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
You served as a Public Health Service officer, an officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or as a cadet or midshipman at a qualifying service academy

For a full list of ways to qualify for a COE, see the VA’s eligibility page.

What are the lender requirements?

VA loan requirements vary by lender, so it's important to compare options.

“I also recommend working with a lender who regularly handles VA loans, not just one who technically offers them,” says Alexander Rodino, Army veteran and founder and Realtor at the ARC Platform.

Lenders generally evaluate borrowers based on criteria including:

Credit score: “The VA itself doesn't set a minimum credit score, but most lenders who do VA loans overlay their own — usually 580 to 620, sometimes higher depending on the lender,” says Kristy Nakamura, Broker & Co-Founder of Ka Home Group eXp Realty of Oahu, Hawaii.
Income and debts: Most VA lenders require you to document your income and outstanding debts. While conventional mortgage lenders typically set a strict maximum debt-to-income ratio, VA lenders may be more lenient. “VA underwriting uses a residual income calculation, basically what's left in your pocket after all monthly obligations, and it's more flexible than most buyers expect,” says Nakamura.
Stable employment and consistent income: Lenders require 2 years of tax returns, pay stubs, or other financial statements that demonstrate consistent income and stable employment. If you’re self-employed, you might need additional documentation. Many lenders count your time in the military toward the two-year requirement.

Learn More: VA Loan vs. Conventional Loan: How To Choose

What property requirements apply?

Types of properties eligible for VA loans include single-family homes, VA-approved condos and townhomes, and multi-family homes of up to four units (at least one of which must be your primary residence).

A VA-approved appraiser must ensure that the home you’re purchasing meets minimum property requirements. The home must be a residential property with suitable living spaces, safe and durable mechanical systems, heating, hot water, electricity, a safe method of sewage disposal, and a roof that prevents moisture from entering.

However, “the VA appraisal is not a full inspection,” Rodino says. “The appraisal helps confirm value and minimum property requirements, but the buyer still needs to understand the condition of the home.” A home inspection may reveal issues that require you to negotiate with the seller or cause you to change your mind about the home purchase.

If the home does not meet these criteria, you may be able to use a VA alteration and repair loan to bring a distressed home up to the minimum requirements.

How do you apply for a VA loan?

Check your eligibility: Confirm you meet VA loan requirements. You can apply for your Certificate of Eligibility online or wait until you find a lender.
Set your budget: Determine how much house you can afford. Research local closing costs, check whether you have full entitlement, and decide if you’ll make a down payment to reduce the VA funding fee.
Compare lenders: Compare APRs, fees, and eligibility requirements from multiple lenders. After choosing a lender, seek preapproval by submitting requested financial information and documents.
Find an experienced real estate agent: Look for an agent familiar with the VA loan application process.
Choose a home and make an offer: Work with your real estate agent to prepare and submit your offer. If the seller accepts, deliver your earnest money deposit.
Complete your loan paperwork: Once you’re under contract, submit all required documentation to your lender, including proof of income and employment, to complete the full mortgage application.
Schedule an inspection and appraisal: A VA-approved appraiser will assess the home’s value and ensure the home meets minimum property requirements. You should also schedule an optional home inspection.
Close on your home: Review the lender’s mandatory closing disclosure before closing. At closing, you’ll pay the VA funding fee, if applicable, and any applicable closing costs and sign your final loan documents. You may instead opt to finance the funding fee into your loan.

Learn More: Mortgage Application Guide

How to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility

It’s easy to request a COE online or ask your lender to apply on your behalf.

“The Certificate of Eligibility used to require paperwork, but most lenders now pull it electronically through the VA's WebLGY system, so it's usually a non-issue,” says Nakamura.