# Generate API Key

{% hint style="warning" %}
This API is only available to hotel groups on Multi-Property with the SiteMinder Platform. Groups on the classic version of the SiteMinder Channel Manager will not be able to access the Direct Booking API.
{% endhint %}

Initially, an **Admin User** will see the following screen in **Direct Booking > API**, where this user will be able to generate an API Key.

If this screen is greyed out, it means your user does not have the correct privileges to view and edit this page. Please have your organisation upgrade your user or have this task completed by an admin user.

<figure><img src="/files/Z4u67SecWxKnmFyjPbBy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your system will look like the above if the API key has been issued.

* The alternative key, once implemented, should be considered your long-term in-use key, and will function just the same as the initially used key.
* For security reasons, we recommend you revoke the backup key once you have finished using it.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://developer.siteminder.com/direct-booking-api/additional-resources/generate-api-key.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.