VA Loan Pre-Approval Checklist

Everything you need to get pre-approved for your VA loan. Be prepared and speed up your home buying process.

Get Pre-Approval Help

Required Documents Checklist

Gather these documents before starting your VA loan pre-approval process.

Military Documents

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) - Get from VA.gov
  • Current LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
  • PCS Orders (if applicable)
  • DD-214 (for veterans)
  • Statement of Service (for active duty)

Financial Documents

  • 2 years of tax returns and W-2s
  • 30 days of pay stubs
  • 2-3 months of bank statements (all accounts)
  • Investment account statements
  • Retirement account statements (401k, TSP, etc.)

Employment Verification

  • Employment verification letter
  • Contact information for HR department
  • Base/unit contact information
  • Any additional income documentation
  • Spouse employment information (if applicable)

Credit & Debt Information

  • List of all current debts and monthly payments
  • Credit card statements
  • Auto loan information
  • Student loan details
  • Any other monthly obligations

Credit Score Requirements

While VA loans are more flexible than conventional loans, credit scores still matter for rates and terms.

580+
Minimum for most VA lenders
  • Access to VA loan programs
  • Competitive rates available
620+
Better rates and terms
  • Lower interest rates
  • More lender options
  • Easier approval process
700+
Best rates available
  • Lowest interest rates
  • Premium loan terms
  • Fast approval process

💡 Credit Improvement Tips

  • Pay all bills on time
  • Keep credit utilization below 30%
  • Don't close old credit accounts
  • Pay down existing debt
  • Check credit reports for errors
  • Avoid new credit applications

Pre-Approval Timeline

Typical timeline for VA loan pre-approval process when all documents are ready.

1-2 Days

Gather Documents

Collect all required paperwork and documentation

2-5 Days

Submit Application

Complete pre-approval application with VA lender

3-7 Days

Underwriter Review

Lender reviews and verifies all documentation

1-3 Days

Pre-Approval Letter

Receive official pre-approval letter for home shopping

Important Pre-Approval Tips

✅ Do's

  • • Keep employment stable during the process
  • • Maintain consistent income
  • • Keep documents organized and accessible
  • • Respond quickly to lender requests
  • • Ask questions if you don't understand something

❌ Don'ts

  • • Don't make large purchases or take on new debt
  • • Don't change jobs during the process
  • • Don't make large deposits without documentation
  • • Don't apply for new credit cards or loans
  • • Don't close existing credit accounts

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

Connect with our trusted VA lenders and get expert guidance through your pre-approval process.

Start Pre-Approval ProcessCall (703) 477-2606