VA Form 26-8812: Equal Opportunity Lender Certification

VA Form 26-8812: Equal Opportunity Lender Certification – VA Form 26-8812, officially titled the VA Equal Opportunity Lender Certification, is a key compliance document for mortgage lenders seeking to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Program. Lenders use this form to formally certify their commitment to fair lending practices and equal opportunity when offering VA-guaranteed home loans to veterans and eligible borrowers.

This certification helps protect veterans from discrimination and ensures lenders actively promote VA financing to all eligible applicants, including minority and female veterans. The current version of the form is dated April 1990 and remains the official version used by the VA.

What Is VA Form 26-8812?

VA Form 26-8812 is a two-page certification form issued by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). On this form, an authorized officer of a lending institution agrees to specific equal opportunity and fair housing requirements. By signing, the lender induces the VA to consider and act on veterans’ loan applications submitted through that lender.

The form includes pre-printed certification language covering non-discrimination, advertising practices, poster display, and use of the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or slogan in all advertising. The reverse side contains the VA Advertising Guidelines for Fair Housing.

Who Needs to Complete and Submit VA Form 26-8812?

This form is primarily required for non-supervised lenders applying for authority to close VA loans on an automatic basis. It forms part of the required documentation package, often submitted alongside VA Form 26-8736 and related underwriter nomination forms.

Supervised lenders (those already subject to oversight by a federal regulatory agency) may have different or streamlined requirements, but many lenders still provide VA Form 26-8812 when establishing or updating participation in the VA loan program. The VA may request it during initial approval, renewal, or when adding certain authorities through the Program Participant Management (PPM) system.

Purpose of the VA Equal Opportunity Lender Certification

The primary purpose of VA Form 26-8812 is to ensure that veterans have equal access to VA-guaranteed home loans without facing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

It also requires lenders to proactively reach minority and female veterans through compliant advertising and to visibly demonstrate their commitment to equal opportunity at their places of business. Non-compliance can result in the VA refusing to accept loan applications or guaranty requests from the lender.

Key Commitments Lenders Agree To on VA Form 26-8812

By signing the form, the lender (and anyone acting on its behalf) agrees to the following main requirements:

  • Do not deny a VA loan to a veteran or discriminate in loan terms or conditions based on protected classes (race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin).
  • Apprise minority and female veterans of available VA financing by following the VA Advertising Guidelines for Fair Housing in all advertising.
  • Prominently display the Equal Opportunity Lender poster in every location where VA loans are offered.
  • Include the equal housing opportunity logo, slogan, or statement in all advertising materials (print, outdoor, radio, television, etc.).
  • Understand that failure to comply may lead the VA Secretary to refuse to accept applications from the lender.

A note on the form states that compliance with requirements of another federal regulatory agency (such as those governing FHA loans) may satisfy the advertising, poster, and logo requirements in paragraphs 2, 3, and 4.

How to Download VA Form 26-8812? (Official PDF)

Download the official form directly from trusted VA sources. Always use the current version from the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure you have the correct two-page document including the advertising guidelines on the reverse side.

Official Sources:

Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete VA Form 26-8812

Completing VA Form 26-8812 is straightforward because most of the content consists of pre-printed certification statements.

  1. Download the PDF from an official VA source listed above.
  2. Review both pages carefully, especially the advertising guidelines on the reverse.
  3. Have an authorized corporate officer or principal (someone with legal authority to bind the lender) complete and sign the form.
  4. Fill in the signature, printed name, title, name of the financial institution, and complete address.
  5. Date the form on the day it is signed.
  6. Make a copy for your lender’s records.
  7. Include the completed form in your lender application package or upload it as directed.

No extensive financial or operational details are required on this specific form — it is purely a certification of equal opportunity compliance.

VA Advertising Guidelines for Fair Housing

The reverse side of VA Form 26-8812 contains the Advertising Guidelines for Fair Housing. These guidelines help lenders comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (as amended) and the Fair Housing Act when marketing residential financing, including VA loans.

Key principles include using the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or slogan in all advertisements, avoiding discriminatory language or images, using models that reflect the diversity of the community when people are shown, and ensuring advertising does not selectively exclude protected classes through geography or other means.

Lenders should consult the full text on the form and align their marketing with these standards. Many institutions already follow similar HUD/FHA guidelines, which the VA form notes may satisfy certain requirements.

Where and How to Submit VA Form 26-8812?

Submission methods have evolved with the VA’s digital systems. For many lenders, especially non-supervised lenders applying for or updating authorities:

  • Upload the completed form through the Program Participant Management (PPM) system via your lender profile on the VA portal.
  • When an application is returned for missing documents, use the “Upload Documents” section and resubmit.

Paper submission to the appropriate VA Regional Loan Center (RLC) may still be required in some cases. Always check the specific instructions for VA Form 26-8736 or your current PPM application workflow.

Related VA Forms Commonly Used by Lenders

Lenders often submit VA Form 26-8812 together with other documents, including:

  • VA Form 26-8736 – Application for Authority to Close Loans on an Automatic Basis (Non-Supervised Lenders)
  • VA Form 26-8736a – Non-Supervised Lender’s Nomination and Recommendation of Credit Underwriter
  • VA Form 26-1820 – Report and Certification of Loan Disbursement (used after closing)

For the complete list and current requirements, refer to the VA Lender’s Handbook and the latest circulars.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 26-8812

Is VA Form 26-8812 still current?
Yes. The April 1990 version remains the official form listed on VA.gov and is actively referenced in lender application processes.

Do all VA-approved lenders need to file this form?
It is most commonly required for non-supervised lenders seeking automatic authority or when establishing participation. Supervised lenders should confirm requirements with the VA or through the PPM system.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?
The VA may refuse to accept loan applications or guaranty requests from the lender. Persistent issues can affect ongoing participation in the program.

Can I use my FHA/HUD fair housing compliance to satisfy VA requirements?
The form itself notes that compliance with another federal regulatory agency’s requirements for advertising guidelines and posters may satisfy paragraphs 2, 3, and 4.

Where can I get the Equal Opportunity Lender poster?
The form requires prominent display of the poster at locations where VA loans are offered. Lenders typically obtain the standard Equal Housing Opportunity poster through HUD or their compliance materials.

Practical Tips for Lenders: Maintaining Compliance

  • Incorporate the Equal Housing Opportunity logo and slogan into every VA loan advertisement and marketing piece.
  • Train loan officers and marketing staff on fair lending and the specific VA advertising guidelines.
  • Display the required poster visibly in all offices and branches that handle VA loans.
  • Conduct periodic internal reviews of advertising and lending practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
  • Keep signed copies of VA Form 26-8812 and related compliance documentation in your files.
  • Consult your compliance officer or legal counsel when updating marketing campaigns or expanding into new markets.
  • Monitor VA Loan Guaranty circulars for any updates affecting lender responsibilities.

Official Resources and Trusted Sources for VA Lenders

Here are reliable, current resources directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs:

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always start with official VA sources and the Program Participant Management system. If you have questions about your specific lender application, contact the VA Regional Loan Center with jurisdiction over your institution or submit an inquiry through the LGY Hub / PPM portal.

This guide provides general information based on official VA publications and is intended to help lenders understand and properly use VA Form 26-8812. It is not legal advice. Consult your compliance team or the VA directly for application-specific requirements.