# Authentication

Public Mint uses an [API gateway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/API_management) to authorize, authenticate and route requests to endpoints. All requests require an [API key](/api/reference/authentication.md#authorization) for authorization and authentication in the request header associated to the key **apikey**, like the example below demonstrates. The key serves to identify the app/partner behind the requests, and which resources they're permitted to access.

**If you don't include your key, or use an invalid one, the request will return an error.** 

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Sandbox" %}
{% code title="AUTHENTICATED REQUEST" %}

```bash
$ curl https://api.sandbox.publicmint.io/identities/:id \
  -H "apikey:{YOUR_API_KEY}"
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Production" %}
{% code title="AUTHENTICATED REQUEST" %}

```bash
$ curl https://api.publicmint.io/identities/:id \
  -H "apikey:{YOUR_API_KEY}"
```

{% endcode %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Authorization and authentication

Authorization to our public APIs requires a partner API key. To be eligible, you need to be a verified business partner. You can learn more about how to apply at the [Partners section](broken://pages/-LnCk0-aqUbrHKUzaVJN).

When your application is successful you'll receive a confirmation email giving you access to the Partners Portal (coming soon), where you'll be able to generate, revoke and manage your API keys. 

{% hint style="success" %}
While we work on finalizing the Partner's Portal, please contact us directly to request early access to our API.
{% endhint %}

You'll need to pass on your API key in the request headers when making calls to Public Mint's endpoints to [authenticate your requests](/api/reference/authentication.md#Authorization) and identify witch application/partner is using the APIs.

API keys also serve to authenticate user sessions. 


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