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How to Get a DD214 Form for a VA Loan
What you'll learn: Everything you need to know about getting a DD214 and VA loan eligibility.
EXPECTED READ TIME: 3 MINUTES
December 17, 2024
Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans are known for providing an affordable path to homeownership to the brave servicemembers who are serving or have served our country. Those who are eligible can purchase a home with as little as no money down, plus other exclusive VA benefits. As part of the VA home loan process, you must first qualify. If you are a veteran, you may need to submit your discharge papers to VA-approved lenders in order to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Military discharge documentation is often referred to as the DD214 form.
In this article, we will detail how you can request this vital document so you can begin the process of applying for a VA loan and accomplish the dream of homeownership.
What is a DD214 form?
When you are discharged from active duty military service you will receive your discharge paperwork in the form of a DD214. It provides proof of your past military service, allowing you to obtain a COE and gain access to your VA benefits. This document includes the following information:
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Date of entry into active duty
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Military education
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Military decorations
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Job specialties
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Date of discharge from active duty
Since it allows your lender to authenticate your service record, if the COE is not available, the DD214 form is a required document for veterans who are looking to qualify for a VA home loan.
Is a DD214 the same as a certificate of eligibility?
It is worth noting that a DD214 is not the same as your certificate of eligibility (COE). These are two separate, equally important documents. You may need to provide your DD214 to your lender if they are unable to obtain your COE without this important documentation.
Do you need a DD214 to get a VA loan?
If you are a veteran who has been discharged from active duty and your COE is not available, then you will need to submit a DD214 form to your lender in order to qualify for your VA loan. This is not the case for active duty servicemembers because they are still serving and will not have received their discharge papers.
If you are currently serving in the military, you will instead need to provide a statement of service that is signed by either the commander of your unit or an adjutant (a senior officer’s assistant). If you have already used a VA home loan to purchase property, but are looking into a VA streamline refinance, then a DD214 may not be required.
How to request your DD214 form?
Upon your separation from the military, you should receive a DD214 automatically. However, if the paperwork has been misplaced over the years or you do not have it readily available, there are a few different ways in which you can obtain a copy. These include:
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Asking a lender who can submit a DD214 request on your behalf.
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Requesting a DD214 by mail, fax, or in person from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). You will have to provide specific documents in order to prove your identity and military service. You can call the National Archives for a list of required documents.
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Using the milConnect website after creating an account (if you do not already have one) to submit your request online. An overview of this process can be found on the VAs website.
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Contacting your local veteran’s agency for help in acquiring a copy.
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If still unable to obtain, contact your Congress person for assistance.
How to get a DD214 for a deceased relative?
If you are a direct relative of a deceased veteran or servicemember, you also have access to the VA home loan benefit. However, you must also go through the process of obtaining your deceased loved one’s DD214 using the same methods listed above. Family members who are considered direct relatives or next of kin include:
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Parents
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Children
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Surviving spouses who have not remarried
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Siblings
How long does it take to get a DD214?
Though the exact time it may take to receive a DD214 form will vary based on how the request is submitted, on average it can take several weeks to months. In some cases, it may even take upwards of six months (note, this is more often the case for military service records from many years past). There are some instances in which the National Archives can expedite the process; however, this typically only applies to emergency circumstances, of which buying a home is not considered one.
The fastest way of securing your DD214 is to obtain the document in person at the NPRC.
SIMILAR ARTICLES
What You Need to Qualify for a VA Loan
What do you need to know to qualify for a VA loan? PenFed Credit Union explains the steps and process for VA loan eligibility and qualification.
Can I Refinance a VA Loan?
Find out what type of VA refinances are available and which ones are best for getting cash-out, lowering your rate, or changing the term.
What Are the Pros and Cons of VA Loans?
There are many great things about a VA loan, but there are also some disadvantages. Find out the requirements, and if a VA loan works for the type of property you're buying.
What Are the Different Types of Mortgages?
There are different types of mortgages for all financial situations. PenFed Credit Union provides details on different mortgages, and which might be right for you.
Home Buying Steps
Mortgage Products
Disclosures
1Conventional Loans
Except for holidays, rates are updated Monday through Friday at 10:15am EST. The advertised rates and points are subject to change. The information provided is based on 1.5 discount point, which equals 1.5 percent of the loan amount, and assumes the purpose of the loan is to purchase a property with a 30-year, conforming, fixed-rate loan. Loan amount of $400,000; loan-to-value ratio of 75%; credit score of 760; and DTI of 18% or less. The property is an existing single-family home and will be used as a primary residence. The advertised rates are based on certain assumptions and loan scenarios, and the rate you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances, including your credit history, loan amount, down payment, and our internal credit criteria. Other rates, points, and terms may be available. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.
Rates quoted require a loan origination fee of 1%; not to exceed $1,995. Speak to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.
2FHA Loans
Except for holidays, rates are updated Monday through Friday at 10:15am EST. The advertised rates and points are subject to change. The information provided is based on 1.25 discount point, which equals 1.25 percent of the loan amount, and assumes the purpose of the loan is to purchase a property with a 30-year, conforming, fixed-rate loan. Loan amount of $400,000; loan-to-value ratio of 96.5%; credit score of 760; and DTI of 18% or less. The property is an existing single-family home and will be used as a primary residence. The advertised rates are based on certain assumptions and loan scenarios, and the rate you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances, including your credit history, loan amount, down payment, and our internal credit criteria. Other rates, points, and terms may be available. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.
Rates quoted require a loan origination fee of 1%; not to exceed $1,995. Speak to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.
3VA Loans
Except for holidays, rates are updated Monday through Friday at 10:15am EST. The advertised rates and points are subject to change. The information provided is based on 1.375 discount point, which equals 1.375 percent of the loan amount, and assumes the purpose of the loan is to purchase a property with a 30-year, conforming, fixed-rate loan. Loan amount of $450,000; loan-to-value ratio of 95%; credit score of 760; and DTI of 18% or less. The property is an existing single-family home and will be used as a primary residence. The advertised rates are based on certain assumptions and loan scenarios, and the rate you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances, including your credit history, loan amount, down payment, and our internal credit criteria. Other rates, points, and terms may be available. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.
Rates quoted require a loan origination fee of $995.
4Jumbo Loans
Except for holidays, rates are updated Monday through Friday at 10:15am EST. The advertised rates and points are subject to change. The information provided is based on 0.75 discount point, which equals 0.75 percent of the loan amount, and assumes the purpose of the loan is to purchase a property with a 30-year, non-conforming, fixed-rate loan. Loan amount of $1,009,000; loan-to-value ratio of 70%; credit score of 760; and DTI of 18% or less. The property is an existing single-family home and will be used as a primary residence. The advertised rates are based on certain assumptions and loan scenarios, and the rate you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances, including your credit history, loan amount, down payment, and our internal credit criteria. Other rates, points, and terms may be available. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.
Rates quoted require a loan origination fee of 1%; not to exceed $1,995. Speak to a PenFed Mortgage Loan Officer for additional details.
Fixed Rate Advance Lock-In You may lock in an Annual Percentage Rate for Advances during the Advance Period. During your Advance Period, you may choose to have three separate Fixed Rate Advances locked in at any one time, with a maximum of two new Fixed Rate Advances per calendar year. Each Fixed Rate Advance must equal or exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and you may not request a Fixed Rate Advance that would cause the amount you owe to exceed your Credit Limit. The only term option for your Fixed Rate Advance is 240 months (“Fixed Rate Advance Term”). However, the term of your Fixed Rate Advance cannot exceed your Repayment Period.
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