VA Loan Service Requirements
VA Loan Service Requirements is central to a smooth VA approval — here are the 2026 rules and the numbers that matter.
The rule for 2026
Eligibility depends on service: generally 90 continuous days active duty in wartime, 181 days in peacetime, 6 years in the Guard/Reserve (or 90 days active under recent law), or eligibility as a surviving spouse.
The VA sets the baseline, but approved lenders can add stricter "overlays." Meet the VA standard first, then confirm whether your lender layers anything on top.
Documentation you'll need
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Pay stubs or LES (active duty) and two years of W-2s/returns
- Two months of bank statements
- Explanation letters for any credit events
VA rules are periodically revised. Join the alerts to be told before changes affect your file.
Get VA Rate & Benefit Alerts
One quick signup and we keep you posted on VA rate drops, funding-fee changes, and eligibility updates.
Free to join. Msg & data rates may apply; reply STOP to opt out. See our Terms & Privacy Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- VA Loan Service Requirements — what's the bottom line for 2026?
- Eligibility depends on service: generally 90 continuous days active duty in wartime, 181 days in peacetime, 6 years in the Guard/Reserve (or 90 days active under recent law), or eligibility as a surviving spouse.
- Does this affect my $0 down or PMI?
- No — the VA benefit's zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance apply throughout.