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SBA

Veteran-owned certification (SDVOSB/VOSB via SBA VetCert)

Here is what this program requires, in plain language, with each requirement cited to the rule or standard it comes from. Certification is renewed every 3 years. You file everything yourself.

Administered by SBA · Verified Jul 2026
ELIGIBILITY

At least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by one or more veterans (SDVOSB: service-disabled veterans)

Ownership must be direct and unconditional, verified against your formation and ownership documents. For SDVOSB, the qualifying owner or owners must be service-disabled veterans with a VA (or DoD) disability determination.

DOCUMENTS THIS ASKS FOR
  • Articles of organization / incorporation Your state's Secretary of State business portal (certified copies are usually a small fee).
  • Operating agreement (LLC), all amendments
  • Stock ledger and share certificates
WHERE PEOPLE GET THIS WRONG
  • Ownership routed through another entity without checking the direct-ownership rule
  • Percentages in the operating agreement that do not match the application
13 CFR 128.202 · verified Jul 2026 · pinned ↗
ELIGIBILITY

A qualifying veteran must control day-to-day management and long-term decision-making, and hold the highest officer position

The qualifying veteran must actually run the company and hold the highest officer position. Governance documents are reviewed for provisions that let a non-veteran block or override decisions.

DOCUMENTS THIS ASKS FOR
  • Operating agreement (LLC), all amendments
  • Corporate bylaws, all amendments
  • Resume of each qualifying owner
13 CFR 128.203 · verified Jul 2026 · pinned ↗
THIS LIST IS NOT COMPLETE YET

One more requirement is awaiting verification against the official source, so it is not shown here. We would rather show you less than tell you something we have not checked. Treat the list above as accurate, not as exhaustive.

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