# Authentication

Authentication is handled via an API key. You must include your provided API key in the x-api-key header for all requests. Requests without a valid API key will be rejected with a 403 Forbidden error. For more information, see [Errors](/springstreet.io/api/getting-started/errors.md)

### Requesting your API Key

In order to receive your API key, please contact <hello@springstreet.io>

### Header Example

```
x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY_VALUE
```

### Example Request

Here is an example using `cURL` to demonstrate how to include the header. All client libraries and tools (like Postman) will have a method for setting custom request headers.

Bash

```bash
curl --location 'https://api.springstreet.io/debtors/search?name=ABC%20Corporation' \
--header 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY'
```

<br>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://springstreet.gitbook.io/springstreet.io/api/getting-started/authentication.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.