Skip to main content
teal diagonals background

Documents you need to apply for a mortgage

When applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to share documents with a lender about your income, assets, and other personal information.

Home loan documents

Whether you’re seeking pre-approval for a new mortgage, or you’ve already made an offer on a home, your lender will require documentation of your income sources and assets — along with other information — during the loan process. This list can help you gather the documents you’ll need.

Download the guide

Proof of income

  1. Pay stubs from the most recent 2 months
  2. W2 forms for the last 2 years
  3. Tax returns for the last 2 years (for self-employment, rental income, and commission income)
  4. 1099 forms (for contract employees)
  5. Social Security award letter (if receiving Social Security benefits)
  6. Profit and loss statements and/or business tax returns (for business owners)

Asset statements

  1. Checking accounts statements
  2. Savings accounts statements
  3. Certificates of deposit
  4. Bonds
  5. Retirement accounts
  6. Investment accounts
  7. Business accounts

Other documents and information (if applicable)

  1. Photo ID
  2. Divorce papers
  3. Gift letter (if using gift funds)
  4. Bankruptcy documents
  5. Proof of rent payments/copy of lease
  6. Employer names and addresses for the past 2 years
  7. Residential addresses for the past 2 years
  8. Copy of ratified sales contract
  9. Social Security card, ITIN, or similar documents
  10. Business license (if self-employed)

This checklist is for educational purposes only. Be sure to communicate with your lender for specifics on the mortgage loan process.

Did you know?

Your lender may use a digital process to access your bank account statements. This can save you time and effort by digitally verifying things like assets, income and employment. The lender can only view your account(s) for as long as needed for the loan process. Speak to your lender about how this information can be obtained securely and confidentially.

What's next?

Now that you know what documents you need to get a mortgage, learn more about preparing for the home inspection.

Preparing for a home inspection

More to explore

person holding a clipboard and taking notes

What to Expect when Closing on a House

Prepare for your home inspection. Learn what the inspection includes, what questions to ask, and when to hire a specialist inspector.

Learn more
More to explore

Make Rent Count

With a solid rent history, your rent payments may help you qualify for a home loan.

Learn more
Homebuying and Homeownership Costs

Closing on a Loan

Use this checklist to make sure you know what costs you'll be responsible for, what to do ahead of time, and what to bring to your closing.

Learn more