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

# Authentication

> How to obtain and use API credentials for the Chessa API

# Getting API Credentials

To use the Chessa API, you'll need to obtain API credentials. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your API keys.

<img className="block" src="https://mintcdn.com/chessa/zphlruwrQzv9LqJk/images/chessa-api-key-screen.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=zphlruwrQzv9LqJk&q=85&s=923bfa8be9cd623fe57c4053e24a4149" alt="Chessa API Key Screen" width="2894" height="1701" data-path="images/chessa-api-key-screen.png" />

## Step 1: Sign Up

Create a Chessa account by visiting [chessa.ai](https://chessa.ai) and completing the registration process.

## Step 2: Complete KYC

Before you can access API credentials, you'll need to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process:

1. Navigate to the KYC section in your Chessa dashboard
2. Provide the required identification documents
3. Wait for verification approval (typically within 24-48 hours)

## Step 3: Create API Keys

Once your account is verified, you can create your API credentials:

1. Log in to your Chessa dashboard
2. Navigate to **Settings**
3. Select the **API** tab
4. Click **Create API Key**
5. Name your API key
6. Copy and securely store your Client ID and Client Secret

<Warning>
  **Security Notice**: Your Client Secret will only be shown once. Make sure to
  copy and store it securely. If you lose your Client Secret, you'll need to
  generate a new one.
</Warning>

## Using Your API Credentials

Once you have your credentials, include them in the headers of all API requests:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET 'https://api.chessa.ai/v1/users' \
-H 'x-client-id: YOUR_CLIENT_ID' \
-H 'x-client-secret: YOUR_CLIENT_SECRET'
```

<Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/introduction" arrow>
  Explore the complete API reference to start building with Chessa.
</Card>