> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://123-87.gitbook.io/signgate-api/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://123-87.gitbook.io/signgate-api/documentation/authentication.md).

# Authentication

Every public request uses a bearer API key associated with one organization and a defined set of scopes.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Primary constraint:** Never place a raw API key in source code, logs, screenshots, or support messages.
{% endhint %}

## Authorization header

```http
Authorization: Bearer <SIGNGATE_API_KEY>
```

## Environment variables

```bash
export SIGNGATE_BASE_URL="https://preview.example.signgate"
export SIGNGATE_API_KEY="<preview-api-key>"
```

## Required scopes

| Operation          | Scope              |
| ------------------ | ------------------ |
| Create a decision  | `decision:create`  |
| Consume an `ALLOW` | `decision:consume` |

## Organization binding

The `organization_id` in the request must match the organization associated with the credential. A tenant mismatch is refused without revealing whether another tenant's resource exists.

## Next

[Make your first decision](https://github.com/lukekwan/agent-payment-guard/tree/docs/doc-sg-001-api-docs/docs/gitbook/public/en/getting-started/first-decision.md).


---

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