how to get copies of your military documents

HOW TO GET COPIESOF YOUR MILITARY DOCUMENTS

Before any other options are investigated, every service member should contact the bank processing their VA loan.

Often these banks are willing to mail or email a checklist of forms you will need to obtain from your current unit or from the VA office.

This makes it easier to be certain that you have obtained all forms, as well as maintaining records of what forms you have recently pulled.

Remember that some of these forms may have delicate information on them such as your social security number.

The most common forms necessary for a VA loan are your COE (Certificate of Eligibility), your LES (Leave and Earning Statement) and, if you are separated from the military, your DD214.

This does not mean that this is all a bank will request. Many banks will request tax documents and other military records such as documentation pertaining to station assignments.

Gaining your COE is a simple process. A single call to the VA or a visit to their website will provide you with a form to fill out and, if eligible, your COE will be in your hands very quickly.

They simply stand behind it and say that you are indeed entitled to the benefit of having the loan due to your military service.

As of this writing, your LES requires access to a military secured computer though it is not classified information of any sort.

This is treated in the same way that a paystub would be treated in the civilian world.

If you are applying with your spouse, your marriage certificate will be required.

Unmarried unions must apply for VA loans alone, despite any local or state laws with regard to assumed unions due to time cohabitating. This works much like tax laws work.

If you are NOT legally married in your state, you cannot file for a VA loan together.

If you are legally married but your state or bank does not accept your marriage certificate, contact your local VA office. They are there to help you with these types of issues.

If you are retired or separated from the military, your DD214 is required during VA loan certification and during the application process for the loan itself.

This form is proof that you did indeed serve in the military and is also secondary proof to the VA certificate that you deserve these benefits.

Your DD214, LES and certificate may need to be copied multiple times during the application process.

Do not let this worry you. If the bank requires extra documentation, the VA or your current duty station's JAG office will be able to assist you in locating those documents.

Most JAG offices have at least one military member experienced in real estate working there for just such occasions.

The bank will contact you if they require additional documentation over what has been covered here.

For those looking to buy another house after the sale of a home previously purchased with a VA loan, your original VA loan benefits must be reinstated in order to use them again.

If you are unable to obtain a VA loan certificate due to this, contact the VA appeals board.

They will help to get your benefits reinstated after the sale of a home with a VA loan attached to it.

Mortgage Originator Jimmy Vercellino, specializing in VA loans, helps veterans use their VA loan benefit to their greatest advantage.

Learn more about the types of loans for veterans here: https://www.valoansforvets.com/types-of-loans/

For more details call 480-351-5904.

The views expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily represent those of First Choice Bank (NMLS #: 177877) and First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS #: 210764), 7702 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale AZ 85258. Equal Housing Lender. www.fcloans.com/disclaimer/ www.fcbhomeloans.com/privacy

Jimmy Vercellino, NMLS 184169 Mortgage Originator Specializing in VA Loans

VA Loans for Vets7702 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Suite 220Scottsdale, AZ 85258Phone: (480) 351-5904Email: jimmyv@fcbmtg.com