Do qualifying surviving spouses need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

Yes, surviving spouses must obtain a COE from the Department of Veterans Affairs. A spouse may also need to provide a marriage certificate or discharge papers to receive a COE.

Does a VA loan require a credit check on my spouse?

Your spouse only undergoes a credit check if they are a co-signer or co-borrower on your VA loan. If not, a lender won’t factor in your spouse’s credit score.

Does my spouse have to be a co-signer on a VA loan?

No, your spouse doesn’t have to co-sign the mortgage or be a co-borrower. You can add their name to the mortgage application for financial or personal reasons. If you aren’t sure whether you should apply together, check with a trusted financial advisor or real estate agent.

VA Loan Requirements For Spouses