Applications & Technology

Getting Started

How to set up DU validation service

The Desktop Underwriter® (DU®) validation service leverages third-party data from verification report vendors to validate borrower assets, income, and employment.

Follow these steps to get the benefit of shorter cycle times, reduced paperwork, a better borrower experience, and Day 1 Certainty® with relief from certain representations and warranties.

For detailed information and requirements, see the DU Validation Service Reference Guide. Login is required.

How to Activate

1 Select your third-party data vendor(s)
2 Complete vendor contract and activation process
3 Start using the DU validation service

1 Step 1 - Select your third-party data vendor(s)

Review the list of Fannie Mae authorized report providers and eligible verification reports. You may participate in the DU validation service through relationships with vendors of your choice that can provide Day 1 Certainty.
Consider contracting with multiple vendors to meet your needs for asset, income, and employment validation.
You should also consider any technology changes you may need to make to integrate the DU validation service with your loan origination system.
Check if the vendor(s) offer white-labeling capabilities for asset validation and/or eConsent.

View the list of Fannie Mae authorized report providers

2 Step 2 - Complete vendor contract and activation process

Negotiate fees, and ensure appropriate SLA(s) are part of contract(s).
If you will be providing a vendor's report reference number in the DU submission, you can start using as soon as your contract with the vendor is complete.
To automatically obtain reports using the Lender Loan Number from Equifax - The Work number or distributors of its reports, complete the Equifax setup form.
Lenders are required to opt in here to use 12-months of data on an asset verification report for income and employment validation. Complete the single source activation form.

3 Step 3 - Start using the DU validation service

Once you have contracted with verification report vendor(s), you can begin using the DU validation service.

DU Infographic

Step 1 - Select your third-party data vendor(s)

Review the list of Fannie Mae authorized report providers and eligible verification reports. You may participate in the DU validation service through relationships with vendors of your choice that can provide Day 1 Certainty.
Consider contracting with multiple vendors to meet your needs for asset, income, and employment validation.
You should also consider any technology changes you may need to make to integrate the DU validation service with your loan origination system.
Check if the vendor(s) offer white-labeling capabilities for asset validation and/or eConsent.

View the list of Fannie Mae authorized report providers

Step 2 - Complete vendor contract and activation process

Negotiate fees, and ensure appropriate SLA(s) are part of contract(s).
If you will be providing a vendor's report ID in the DU submission, you can start using as soon as your contract with the vendor is complete.
To automatically obtain reports using the Lender Loan Number from Equifax - The Work number or distributors of its reports, complete the Equifax setup form.