> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zert.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zert.com/getting-started/authentication-and-api-keys.md).

# Authentication & API Keys

All endpoints except `GET /health` require an API key.

### Headers

Use bearer auth by default on every public endpoint:

```
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
```

### Example Request

```bash
curl https://api.gateway.zert.com/api/v1/chains \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

### Getting an API Key

API keys can be generated and managed directly from the Developer Dashboard - <https://dashboard.zert.com/>

Or [contact us](https://www.zert.com/contact-us) to request API access.

### Unauthenticated Endpoint

The health check does not require authentication:

```bash
curl https://api.gateway.zert.com/api/v1/health
```

Returns service status and uptime. Useful for monitoring.


---

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```
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