VA Form 26-6850
Request for Restoration of Entitlement
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.
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.
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.
Example
(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.
Example
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 USC 3702 - Veteran eligibility for VA-guaranteed home loans.
Section III - Certification
Blocks 11-12Veteran signature and datePII
Sign and date. Attach payoff documentation.
Example
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- Not attaching payoff documentation - restoration cannot be approved without proof the loan was paid off.
Statutory & regulatory authority
38 USC 3702 - Veteran eligibility for VA-guaranteed home loans.