VA Form 26-1820: Official Guide to Fill & Download

VA Form 26-1820: Official Guide to Fill & Download – If you are a veteran using a VA home loan or a lender closing one, VA Form 26-1820 (Report and Certification of Loan Disbursement) is one of the most important documents in the closing process. This required form allows lenders to report the completed VA-guaranteed loan to the Department of Veterans Affairs so the loan guaranty can be issued.

The current version of the form is dated October 2022. It remains the official and required form for VA loans.

What Is VA Form 26-1820?

VA Form 26-1820 is the official Report and Certification of Loan Disbursement used by lenders to notify VA that a VA-guaranteed or insured loan has closed and that loan proceeds have been fully disbursed.

Lenders must complete this form on every VA-guaranteed or insured loan. The veteran (and co-borrower, if applicable) must review and sign specific certifications at closing.

The form combines what used to be separate documents, streamlining the process while ensuring compliance with VA regulations under 38 U.S.C. 3710.

Purpose of VA Form 26-1820

VA uses this form to:

  • Confirm the lender closed the loan according to all applicable VA laws and regulations
  • Verify the veteran understands key responsibilities, including occupancy requirements
  • Receive the lender’s certification that the loan meets VA income, credit, and fee requirements
  • Obtain the veteran’s acknowledgment regarding the property’s reasonable value and occupancy intentions
  • Support issuance of the VA loan guaranty

Without a properly completed and submitted VA Form 26-1820, the lender cannot receive the full benefit of the VA guaranty.

Who Needs to Use VA Form 26-1820?

  • Lenders and loan officers closing VA purchase, refinance (including IRRRL), or construction loans
  • Veterans and co-borrowers who must sign the certifications at closing
  • Closing agents and attorneys who facilitate the signing process

Veterans do not usually fill out the entire form themselves — the lender completes most fields using the loan file. Your primary responsibility is to carefully review and sign Section III – Veteran’s Certifications.

Important Updates to VA Form 26-1820

In January 2023, VA published Circular 26-23-3, which revised VA Form 26-1820 and consolidated two older forms into it:

  • VA Form 26-1802a (HUD/VA Addendum to the Uniform Residential Loan Application)
  • VA Form 26-0503 (Federal Collection Policy Notice)

Effective date: The revised October 2022 version of VA Form 26-1820 became required for all loans with application dates on or after April 1, 2023. Lenders were encouraged to begin using it earlier.

Using the current form helps avoid processing delays with VA.

How to Download VA Form 26-1820? (Official Sources)

Official Download Link (current October 2022 version):
Download VA Form 26-1820 (PDF)

Official VA Page:
VA Form 26-1820 – Report and Certification of Loan Disbursement

Always download directly from these trusted VA sources to ensure you have the most current version. Do not use third-party sites that may have outdated or altered forms.

How to Fill Out VA Form 26-1820? Section-by-Section Overview

The form includes clear instructions on the first page. It is typically completed by the lender using information from your loan application, credit reports, verifications, and the sales contract.

Main sections include:

  • Header Information — Check Automatic or Prior Approval procedure. Enter VA loan number, lender’s loan number, lender’s VA identification number, and date of report.
  • Loan and Property Details — Veteran/co-borrower information, property address, loan amount, interest rate, monthly principal & interest, date loan proceeds were fully disbursed, and security type (realty or chattel mortgage).
  • Purchase Price / Reasonable Value — Contract purchase price (or “None” if not a purchase), VA reasonable value, and any required explanations if the price exceeds reasonable value.
  • Section II – Lender’s Certification — The lender certifies compliance with VA rules, including permissible fees, accuracy of information, proper sourcing of credit and employment verifications, and that the loan meets VA requirements. The lender’s authorized representative signs this section.
  • Section III – Veteran’s Certifications — This is the section you (the veteran) must carefully review and sign at closing. It covers occupancy intent and important acknowledgments.

Tip: The lender should complete Sections I and II before you sign. You should only sign after reviewing everything.

Veteran’s Certifications (Section III) – What You Are Signing

At closing you will certify several important items, including:

  • Your intent to occupy the property as your home (or specific alternatives if you are on active duty, the property is for a dependent child, or this is an interest rate reduction refinance loan).
  • That you understand VA does not warrant the condition or value of the property.
  • If the purchase price exceeds the VA reasonable value, you have paid (or will pay) the difference in cash from your own resources and will not have any unpaid obligation related to that cash payment after closing.

In certain cases involving active-duty spouses or dependent children, additional signatures may be required. Read every statement carefully before signing.

Required Supporting Documents

Unless previously submitted to VA, lenders typically submit the following with VA Form 26-1820:

  • Copy of the loan application
  • Original verifications of employment and deposits
  • Original credit report
  • VA Form 26-8937 (Verification of VA Benefit Related Indebtedness), if applicable
  • Sales or construction contract
  • Final HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure
  • Builder’s warranty (new construction)
  • Other documents as required by the specific VA Regional Loan Center

Where to Submit VA Form 26-1820?

After closing:

  • The original goes to VA
  • The duplicate stays with the lender
  • The triplicate is given to the veteran

Your lender handles submission to the appropriate VA Regional Loan Center or through VA’s electronic systems. Timely and complete submission helps ensure your loan guaranty is issued without delay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using an outdated version of the form
  • Missing veteran or co-borrower signatures/initials in Section III
  • Incomplete lender certifications or missing agent disclosure
  • Failing to explain cash payments when purchase price exceeds reasonable value
  • Submitting without all required supporting documents
  • Not reviewing the occupancy certifications carefully

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 26-1820

Do I have to fill out the whole form myself?
No. Your lender completes most of it. You mainly review and sign the veteran certifications at closing.

What happens if I don’t sign the form?
The lender cannot properly report the loan to VA, which can delay or prevent issuance of the loan guaranty.

Is this form only for purchase loans?
No. It is required for all VA-guaranteed loans, including refinances (IRRRLs) and new construction.

How long does it take to complete?
VA estimates an average of 20 minutes for the respondent burden, though the actual time depends on the complexity of the loan.

Tips for a Smooth VA Loan Closing

  • Ask your lender for a copy of the completed VA Form 26-1820 before closing so you can review it.
  • Pay close attention to the occupancy and reasonable value statements.
  • Keep your copy of the signed form with your closing documents.
  • Contact your lender or the VA at 1-877-827-3702 if you have questions about the form.

Important Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on official VA sources and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, or VA advice. Rules and forms can change. Always use the most current official form from va.gov and consult your VA-approved lender, closing professional, or VA directly for guidance specific to your loan.

Ready to download the form?
Download VA Form 26-1820 (PDF) – Official Current Version

For the latest information, visit the official VA Form 26-1820 page.

This guide was created to help U.S. veterans and lenders navigate the VA loan process with accurate, up-to-date information from trusted sources.