VA Form 26-6850
Request for Restoration of Entitlement
You previously used a VA home loan, have since paid it off (and sold the property), and want to use your VA loan benefit again for a new home.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 15-20 minutes.
- When to file
- After selling your prior home and paying off the VA loan in full, before applying for a new VA loan.
Official VA form page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
Gather before you start
- ▸Prior VA loan number or property address
- ▸Closing disclosure or payoff statement showing VA loan paid in full
- ▸Deed of sale (proof you no longer own the property)
- ▸Certificate of Eligibility from the prior loan if available
Attach with the form
- ▸Closing disclosure showing VA loan payoff
- ▸HUD-1 settlement statement (older transactions)
- ▸Deed or evidence of property transfer/sale
Section I - Veteran Identification
Blocks 1-5Name, SSN, VA File Number, addressPII
Your current contact information. The restoration is tied to your VA loan entitlement record.
(legal name, SSN, current address)
Common mistakes
- ×Not knowing you can also include a restoration request on the 26-1880 COE form - some veterans request both at once.
Section II - Prior VA Loan Information
Blocks 6-10Prior loan number, property address, payoff date
Identify the prior VA loan you paid off: property address, VA loan number if known, and the date the loan was paid in full. Attach payoff documentation.
e.g., 456 Oak St, Phoenix AZ 85001; VA Loan #98765432; paid off 03/15/2024.
Common mistakes
- ×Assuming you can restore entitlement if you sold the home but did NOT pay off the VA loan (e.g., buyer assumed the loan) - entitlement can only be restored when the VA loan is paid in full.
- ×Not knowing about "second-tier entitlement" - even without restoration, you may still have remaining entitlement for a second concurrent VA loan.
Authority
- 38 CFR 36.4313 - When previously-used home-loan entitlement can be restored.
Section III - Certification
Blocks 11-12Veteran signature and datePII
Sign and date. Attach payoff documentation.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not attaching payoff documentation - restoration cannot be approved without proof the loan was paid off.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 CFR 36.4313 - When previously-used home-loan entitlement can be restored.
- 38 USC 3702 - Veteran eligibility for VA-guaranteed home loans.