# Create an API Key

### Use API keys to authenticate your API requests.

Anesya authenticates API requests with an API key linked to your account.
If a request does not include a valid key, Anesya will return an [authentication error (401)](/api/schema/section/common-error-codes).
If a request contains a deleted or expired key, the same error will be raised.

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To create, delete, or renew API keys, use the [Anesya Dashboard](https://dashboard.anesya.app/api).
You can find your API keys under the **My Account** tab, then **API** in your dashboard.

### Token lifetime

You can create your token on the Anesya Dashboard.
Each token has a defined lifetime: `1m`, `3m`, `6m`, or `inf` (unlimited).

Important
* Do not share your tokens and never commit them to GitHub.
* Once created, your token cannot be viewed again — make sure to copy and store it safely.