# What is CAIVRS and how does it affect an SBA loan?

**Short answer:** CAIVRS is the federal Credit Alert Verification Reporting System. SBA lenders must check it for prior losses and delinquent federal debt on the applicant. A hit can make the applicant ineligible for a 7(a) or 504 loan. Source: SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. E.

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Last checked: 2026-11-09

CAIVRS is the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System, a federal database of problem debts. SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. E requires SBA lenders to check it and keep proof in the loan file.

## What the check looks for

- **Prior Loss.** A default on a federal loan that caused the government a loss. It reaches the applicant and businesses owned, operated or controlled by the applicant or an Associate (about p. 24).
- **Delinquent Federal Debt.** A nontax federal debt not paid within 90 days of its due date. It covers the applicant and any guarantor except a Supplemental Guarantor (about pp. 25-26).

A lender can enter several Social Security or tax ID numbers in one search.

## What a hit means

Either problem makes the applicant ineligible for a 7(a) or 504 loan. If the loss or debt is fully satisfied, the application can proceed, and the lender documents how. A delinquent debt also clears in the cases the SOP lists, such as a written repayment agreement you are paying as agreed.

SBA does not routinely grant waivers for delinquent debt. 13 CFR 120.110(q) allows a Prior Loss waiver for good cause. The SOP's stated exception is for a non-controlling minority equity investor in a defaulted SBA loan.

## How names get listed

Lenders must tell you that a default with a loss to SBA leads to referral for CAIVRS listing. The names referred are the small business, its guarantors and Associates who control it. That can affect future federal financing from any agency (Para. E).

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. E, Prior Loss to the Government (about pp. 24-25)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 1, Para. E, Delinquent Federal Debt (about pp. 25-26)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [13 CFR § 120.110](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.110)