Apply for a VA Loan Online: $0 Down, Build, Buy or Rehab

Step 1: Verify Your VA Eligibility

To apply for a VA loan, you must qualify as one of:

• Veteran with honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge
• Active duty service member with at least 90 continuous days of service
• National Guard or Reserve member with at least 6 years of service (or 90 days active duty service in some cases)
• Qualifying surviving spouse of a service member who died in service or from a service-connected disability

You will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Don’t worry about obtaining this yourself, your lender can pull your COE through the VA portal once you start the application.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Have these ready before starting your application. It is not required for the initial application, but having them ready speeds up pre-approval.

Identity and service:

• Driver’s license or state-issued ID
• DD Form 214 (for veterans) or current military orders (for active duty)
• Social Security number

Income and employment:

• Two most recent pay stubs
• W-2 forms from the last two years
• Most recent federal tax returns (or 1099s if self-employed)
• Verification of any additional income (rental, disability, retirement)

Assets:

• Two most recent bank statements (all accounts)
• Statements for any investment, retirement, or brokerage accounts

Disability (if applicable):

• VA disability award letter (for VA funding fee waiver)

For the home (if you’ve found one):

• Purchase contract
• Property address and listing details

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply three ways:

1. Online: Use the lead form on this page. Takes about 5 minutes.
2. Phone: Call (855) 701-2816 and a VA loan specialist will walk you through the application by phone.

The initial application captures your basic information (name, contact, location, loan purpose, estimated loan amount, estimated home price). It does not require all the documentation above. After submission, your loan specialist will reach out with next steps and a request for any additional documents.

Step 4: Get Pre-Approved

A VA loan specialist reviews your application and runs the Automated Underwriting System (AUS) to issue a pre-approval. Pre-approval typically takes 24 to 48 hours from the time we receive your complete file.

Your pre-approval letter confirms:

• You are eligible for a VA loan
• Your maximum loan amount
• Your estimated interest rate
• Your estimated monthly payment
• Your closing cost estimate

You can use this pre-approval letter when making offers on homes. Sellers and real estate agents take pre-approved buyers more seriously than buyers who have only been pre-qualified.

Step 5: Find Your Home and Close

Once pre-approved, work with your real estate agent to find a home within your approved loan amount. When you have an accepted offer:

1. Submit the purchase contract to your VA loan specialist
2. Your lender orders the VA appraisal
3. Underwriting completes the full review
4. You receive final loan approval (“clear to close”)
5. You sign closing documents and get the keys

The full process from application to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days for VA purchase loans, though we’ve closed loans in as little as 12 business days for prepared borrowers.