> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.validate.al/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Authenticate requests with your API key.

Every request to `/validate_email` needs your API key in the `X-API-Key` header:

```bash theme={null}
-H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## Getting and managing your key

* Your key is created when you sign up at [validate.al](https://validate.al).
* You can always see it in the [portal](https://portal.validate.al) under **Settings → API Key**.
* The same key works for all validate.al APIs.

## If your key stops working

Requests with a missing or wrong key return `401`. A key also stops working if your account is deactivated, or if a new key is issued for your account. A new key takes effect for email validation within about 3 minutes.

<Warning>
  Treat your API key like a password. Keep it on your server, not in browser or mobile app code, where anyone can read it.
</Warning>


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