# Obtain your API Key
# Important
To use the Places API you must have an API key. The API key is a unique identifier that is used to authenticate requests associated with your project for usage and billing purposes.
# Obtain your API Key
You must have at least one API key associated with your project.
To get an API key:
- Visit the Geodir Account Panel (opens new window). If yo don't have an account, please Register (opens new window).
- The new API key is listed on the page under API keys. (Remember to restrict the API key before using it in production.)
# Add the API key to your request
You must include an API key with every Places API request. In the following example, replace YOUR_KEY with your API Key.
https://apis.geodir.co/places/v1/json?text=CONIDA&standard_address,name,geometry&key=YOUR_KEY
# Troubleshooting authentication issues
If your request is malformed or supplies an invalid signature, the Places API returns an HTTP 403 (Forbidden) error.