# Getting Your API Key

Before integrating with the DeFindex API, you need an API key. This guide walks you through the self-service registration and key creation process.

***

## Step 1: Register an Account

Go to the registration page and create your account:

👉 <https://api.defindex.io/register>

Fill in your email and password, then submit the form. Then refresh your browser tab.

***

## Step 2: Log In

Once registered, log in to your account:

👉 <https://api.defindex.io/login>

Enter your credentials and submit. You will be redirected to your dashboard.

***

## Step 3: Create an API Key

From your dashboard, navigate to the **API Keys** section and click **Create API Key**.

You will receive:

* **`api_key`** — the key you include in the `Authorization` header of every request.
* **`refresh_token`** — used to obtain a new `api_key` when the current one expires.

> **Keep these values secure.** Do not commit them to public repositories or expose them in client-side code.

***

## Step 4: Use the API Key in Requests

Include the `api_key` as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header:

```http
Authorization: Bearer <your_api_key>
```

TypeScript example:

```typescript
const response = await fetch(`https://api.defindex.io/vault/${vaultAddress}/deposit`, {
    method: 'POST',
    headers: {
        'Content-Type': 'application/json',
        'Authorization': `Bearer ${process.env.DEFINDEX_API_KEY}`
    },
    body: JSON.stringify(params)
});
```

***

## Refreshing an Expired Key

When your `api_key` expires, use the `refresh_token` to get a new one by calling the `/refresh` endpoint with your `refresh_token`. Check the [API Reference](https://api.defindex.io/docs) for the exact request format.

***

## Next Steps

* [Getting Started with the API](/api-integration-guide/api.md)
* [Beginner Guide — Vault Deposit Example](/api-integration-guide/guides-and-tutorials/beginner-guide.md)
* [Full API Reference](https://api.defindex.io/docs)

***

## Need Help?

If you run into issues, join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/ftPKMPm38f) and ask in the developer channel.


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