Two VA Refinances, Two Short Lists
A VA streamline lowers your rate with almost no paperwork. A VA cash-out turns equity into cash. Here is what each one asks for.
A VA refinance comes in two kinds: the IRRRL, also called a VA streamline, and the VA cash-out refinance.
This VA refinance checklist shows what each one needs, side by side, plus the seasoning rule both follow. The JD.Mortgage Team at PRMG is a no-overlay VA lender. 25+ years, 3,100+ closed loans, Scotsman Guide Top Originator 2026. Lending in 49 states. New York excluded.
What Documents Do You Need for a VA Refinance? The Short Answer
For a VA IRRRL, have a photo ID, your current mortgage statement and your homeowners insurance declarations page. VA does not require an appraisal or income documents unless your payment goes up 20% or more. For a VA cash-out, add your pay stub or LES, W-2s and bank statements, and we order an appraisal. Both need 210 days and 6 payments on your current loan.
Who Needs What, at a Glance
| Item | VA IRRRL (streamline) | VA cash-out |
|---|---|---|
| Current loan | Must be a VA loan | Any loan: VA, FHA, conventional or other |
| Appraisal | Not required by VA | Required |
| Income documents | Not required by VA unless the payment rises 20% or more | Full: pay stub or LES, W-2s, bank statements |
| Must live in the home now | No, you only certify you lived there before | Yes |
| Seasoning | 210 days and 6 payments | 210 days and 6 payments |
Your VA IRRRL Checklist
Everyone
- ☐ Photo ID
- ☐ Your current mortgage statement
- ☐ Homeowners insurance declarations page
Only if your new payment goes up 20% or more
- ☐ Your most recent pay stub or LES covering the last 30 days, plus W-2s (not needed if active duty or 2+ years with the same employer)
Your VA Cash-Out Checklist
Everyone
- ☐ Photo ID
- ☐ Your most recent pay stub or LES, covering the last 30 days
- ☐ W-2s from the last 2 years. Not needed if you are active duty, or if you have been with the same employer for more than 2 years
- ☐ Bank statements: last 2 months, all pages
- ☐ Your current mortgage statement
- ☐ Homeowners insurance declarations page
- ☐ DD-214 or service documents. We pull your Certificate of Eligibility.
If it applies to you
- ☐ Divorce decree
- ☐ Child support or alimony orders
- ☐ Bankruptcy papers
- ☐ VA disability award letter. It can waive the funding fee.
Not sure which refinance fits? Start the application and we will run both.
Start My VA RefinanceRules Both Refinances Follow
- Seasoning: at least 210 days since your first payment was due, and 6 payments made. See VA refinance seasoning.
- IRRRL costs: VA wants the closing costs paid back through the lower payment within 36 months.
- IRRRL points: up to 2 discount points can be added to the loan. Anything above that is paid in cash.
- Cash-out: you can refinance a VA, FHA, conventional or other loan into a VA cash-out.
How to Apply, Step by Step
Start the application
It takes about 2 minutes. No SSN and no credit pull on the first step.
We run both options
We compare the IRRRL and cash-out on your rate, payment and goals.
Upload your documents
Use the right checklist above. We pull your COE and credit.
Close
Most IRRRLs skip the appraisal. Cash-out files get one, then we schedule closing.
VA Refinance Application FAQ
What documents do I need for a VA IRRRL?
You need a photo ID, your current mortgage statement and your homeowners insurance declarations page. VA does not require an appraisal or income documents on an IRRRL, unless your new payment goes up 20% or more. We still review your credit and payment history.
What documents do I need for a VA cash-out refinance?
You need a photo ID, your most recent pay stub or LES, W-2s, 2 months of bank statements, your current mortgage statement, your insurance declarations page and your service documents. Active-duty borrowers and those with the same employer for more than 2 years skip the W-2s.
How soon can I refinance my VA loan?
VA requires at least 210 days since your first payment was due and at least 6 monthly payments made. This seasoning rule applies to both the IRRRL and the VA cash-out refinance.
Do I have to live in the home for a VA IRRRL?
No. For an IRRRL, you only certify that you lived in the home before. That is why an IRRRL can work on a home you now rent out after a PCS. A VA cash-out requires that you live in the home now.
Can I refinance an FHA or conventional loan into a VA loan?
Yes, with a VA cash-out refinance. It can replace a VA, FHA, conventional or other loan. You need full income documents and an appraisal, and you must live in the home.
How long does the first step take?
About 2 minutes. There is no SSN and no credit pull on the first step. After that, we run both refinance options and send you the checklist for the one that fits.
Related Pages
About the Author
J.D. Peck is an Area Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #314883) with the JD.Mortgage Team at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (NMLS #75243), based in Colorado Springs. 25+ years, 3,100+ closed loans, Scotsman Guide Top Originator 2026. Lending in 49 states. New York excluded.
Last updated: September 25, 2026. VA program facts sourced from VA Pamphlet 26-7 and 38 CFR Part 36.
Start Your VA Refinance
It takes about 2 minutes. We run the IRRRL and the cash-out side by side and send the right checklist.
What are you looking to do?
No SSN required. No credit pull. Takes about 2 minutes.