> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://enhancedradar.com/docs/api/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Authenticate Enhanced Radar API requests with an API key sent as a bearer token.

Send an API key as a bearer token in the `Authorization` header:

```http theme={null}
Authorization: Bearer sk_...
```

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $ER_API_KEY" "https://api.enhancedradar.com/api/v0/facilities"
```

## API keys

* Create keys in the [dashboard](https://api.enhancedradar.com): sign in, complete onboarding, then open **Keys** and choose **Create key**. See the [Quickstart](https://enhancedradar.com/docs/api/docs/api/quickstart.md).
* A key belongs to your organization, and its usage is charged to your organization's balance. See [Billing](https://enhancedradar.com/docs/api/docs/api/concepts/billing.md).
* A key is shown once, when it is created. Store it as a secret.
* Never embed a key in browser or mobile client code.
* Revoked keys stop working within 60 seconds.

## Permissions

Every route requires the `api:read` permission, with two exceptions:

| Route | Accepted permissions |
| - | - |
| `GET /health` | None. The route is public. |
| `GET /api/v0/facilities/search` | `api:read` or `api:onboarding` |
| `GET /api/v0/pricing` | `api:read` or `api:onboarding` |

## WebSocket connections

For [`GET /api/v0/live`](https://enhancedradar.com/docs/api/docs/api/api-reference/live/connect), send the key on the WebSocket upgrade request. The key is checked once, when the connection opens.

## Authentication errors

| Status | Meaning |
| - | - |
| `401` | The `Authorization` header is missing, or the key is invalid, revoked, or expired. Body `{"data": null, "error": "unauthorized"}`. |
| `403` | The key lacks the permission the route requires. Body `{"data": null, "error": "forbidden"}`. |
| `503` | The key could not be validated because the authentication provider is unavailable. Retry later. |

See [Errors](https://enhancedradar.com/docs/api/docs/api/concepts/errors.md) for all status codes.

## AI assistants

To use the API from Claude, Cursor, or another MCP client, connect the [MCP server](https://enhancedradar.com/docs/api/docs/api/guides/mcp.md) instead of pasting a key. It signs in with your Enhanced Radar account over OAuth.


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