Get a Key/Authentication

All Google Maps Geolocation API applications require authentication using an API key. Including a key in your request allows you to monitor your application's API usage in the Google Developers Console; enables per-key instead of per-IP-address quota limits; and ensures that Google can contact you about your application if necessary.

• Standard API customers need a server key set up in a project of your choice.
• Google Maps APIs Premium Plan customers need a server key set up in the Google Maps Premium Project (the project created for you when you ordered the Google Maps Geolocation API for Business). If you have not yet purchased access to the API, please contact sales.

Get an API key

If you are using the standard Google Maps Geolocation API:

Click the button below, which takes you to the Google Developers Console, guides you through the process, and activates the Google Maps Geolocation API automatically.

Get a Key

Alternatively, follow these steps to get an API key:

1. Go to the Google Developers Console.
2. Create or select a project.
3. Click Continue to Enable the API.
4. On the Credentials page, get a Server key (and set the API Credentials).
   Note: If you have an existing Server key, you may use that key.
5. To prevent quota theft, secure your API key following these best practices.
6. (Optional) Enable billing. See Usage Limits for more information.

If you have purchased a Google Maps APIs Premium Plan license:

To get started using the Google Maps Geolocation API, click the button below, which takes you to the Google Developers Console and guides you through the process. Note: In the project drop-down menu, be sure to select the project created for you when you purchased the Premium Plan.*

Get a Key

Alternatively, follow these steps to get an API key for use with the Premium Plan:

1. Go to the Google Developers Console.
2. From the Project drop-down menu, select the Google Maps Premium project.*
3. Click Continue.
4. On the Credentials page, get a Server key (and set the API Credentials).
   Note: If you have an existing Server key, you may use that key.
5. To prevent quota theft, secure your API key following these best practices.

* Note: In the project drop-down menu, you must select the project created for you when you purchased the Premium Plan. Depending on your contract, the project name starts with Google Maps APIs for Business or Google Maps for Work.

You can also look up an existing key in the Google Developers Console.

For more information on using the Google Developers Console, see Developers Console Help.

Types of API Keys

Google Maps APIs are available for Android or iOS apps, Web browsers, and via HTTP web services. APIs in each platform require a specific type of key. The Google Maps Geolocation API will only work with a Server key. APIs of the same platform can use the same key.

Specify a key in your request

To specify a key in your request, include it as the value of a key parameter.

For example:

https://www.googleapis.com/geolocation/v1/geolocate?key=YOUR_API_KEY