For SBA lenders
Short answer
An SBA 7(a) loan authorization is typically valid for 90 days from the E-Tran approval date, during which the loan must be fully disbursed.
The SBA expects authorized 7(a) loans to close and disburse within 90 calendar days of the E-Tran authorization date. If the loan is not fully disbursed within this timeframe, the authorization will expire, and the lender must either request an extension from the SBA (if permitted by policy) or reapply for the loan.
A lender receives E-Tran authorization for a $500,000 7(a) loan on March 15th. The loan must be fully disbursed to the borrower by June 13th. If closing is delayed, the lender needs to monitor the deadline closely.
Insider move
Lenders must diligently manage the closing process to meet the 90-day disbursement deadline. Expired authorizations require additional work and can delay funding, potentially jeopardizing the deal. Extensions are not guaranteed.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Standard 7(a) Authorization File Library
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.
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