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

# Authentication

> How to use your GovFiles API key

All endpoints require an API key. Include it on every request as an `X-API-Key` header.

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST 'https://api.govfiles.dev/v2/companies/search' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -H "X-API-Key: $GOVFILES_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"q":"acme","jurisdictions":"all","limit":10}'
```

To generate an API key, [sign up at govfiles.dev/signup](https://govfiles.dev/signup) and create an account.

Requests without a key or with an invalid key return `401 Unauthorized`.