For SBA lenders
Short answer
SBA Form 1919 (Borrower Information Form) collects critical certifications from the borrower regarding eligibility factors such as citizenship, criminal history, prior government debt, and business type. Lenders rely on these certifications, backed by supporting documentation, to confirm compliance with SBA rules.
Form 1919 is fundamental for collecting essential borrower information and certifications required for 7(a) loan eligibility. The borrower's responses inform the lender about potential red flags or areas requiring further investigation regarding character, citizenship, prior defaults, and business eligibility. Lenders are expected to verify these certifications to the best of their ability.
On Form 1919, a borrower certifies they are a U.S. citizen, have no recent criminal history, and are not delinquent on federal debt. The lender then corroborates this by reviewing a passport, performing a criminal background check, and checking the CAIVRS database, ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
More on required forms
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day