Mortgage Documents Checklist: What You'll Need to Apply

Applying for a mortgage means paperwork. Lots of it. But if you gather everything upfront, the process goes much faster.

Documents every lender needs

• Pay stubs: Last 30 days
• W-2s or tax returns: Last 2 years
• Bank statements: Last 2-3 months (all pages, even blank ones)
• Government ID: Driver's license or passport
• Proof of additional income: Child support, alimony, rental income, bonuses, commissions
• Divorce decree (if applicable): showing alimony or child support obligations
• Social Security award letter (if applicable)

If you're self-employed

• 2 years of personal and business tax returns
• Year-to-date profit and loss statement
• Business license
• 2-3 months of business bank statements
• CPA letter or 1099s

Documents for specific situations

• Gift funds: Signed gift letter + proof of donor's ability to give (bank statement showing the money)
• Rental income: Lease agreements, tax returns showing Schedule E
• 401(k)/retirement: Most recent statements
• Stock/investment accounts: Most recent statements
• Bankruptcy discharge: Full discharge paperwork + any reaffirmation agreements

Pro tip

Send everything digitally. Most lenders have a secure portal. Keep your documents organized in a folder so when they ask for that one extra thing (and they will), you're not scrambling.