# Authentication

How to send an API key, which scopes a key can hold and who can get one during the beta.

Send your API key in the `Authorization` header as a bearer token; never put a key in a URL.

```bash Terminal
curl https://api.askkelly.ai/v1/wire/tickets \
  -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $KELLY_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{}'
```

Samples on these pages read the key from the `KELLY_API_KEY` environment variable, so a sample runs when pasted and your key never sits in a file you share.

## Getting a key

During the beta, keys go to Kelly staff only: an account needs a staff address to sign in, and keys are made on the account page. Nothing is charged during the beta. Some operations need no key, so anyone can call them: `GET /health`, `GET /v1/reference` and `GET /v1/reference/{topic_id}` (see [what answers today](/#what-answers-today)).

## Live and test keys

A key starts with `kelly_live_` for live data or `kelly_test_` for [test mode](/glossary#test-mode). Test keys draw on their own allowance and reach only the sandbox; see the [test mode policy](/policies/test-mode).

## Key scopes

Each key holds one or more [key scopes](/glossary#key-scope). An operation that needs a scope the key lacks answers `403` with the code `insufficient_scope`, and the problem's `param` names the scope.

| Scope | Plans whose keys can hold it |
| --- | --- |
| `read:odds` | Free, Pro, Developer, Scale |
| `read:players` | Free, Pro, Developer, Scale |
| `read:reference` | Free, Pro, Developer, Scale |
| `run:answers` | Free, Pro, Developer, Scale |
| `wire:connect` | Free, Pro, Developer, Scale |
| `read:league` | Pro |
| `read:tracker` | Pro |
| `run:simulation` | Pro |

## A key in a URL

A key or token sent in a URL is refused with `credential_in_url`, because logs and browser history keep URLs. Rotate a key that was sent this way: treat it as exposed.

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Last updated October 16, 2026

Support: support@askkelly.ai · Security and disclosure: https://docs.askkelly.ai/security

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