# Shipstation
To get started, you'll need to retrieve the API key from your ShipStation account.
## Access the ShipStation API
To use ShipStation's API, you'll need to generate an API Key and Secret, which will be included with any calls made to the API. The Key and Secret are used to authenticate the API calls so that ShipStation updates the information within your specific account.
1. Go to `Account Settings`.\
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2. Select `Account` from the left-hand sidebar, then choose `API Settings`.
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3. Click `Generate New API Keys` if no key and secret are listed yet.\
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4. Copy your `key` and `secret.`
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Important
If you've already generated your API keys, the existing API keys will be displayed here, and the button will say Regenerate API Keys.
If you already have API keys, do NOT generate new ones. Instead, copy your existing key and secret.
{% endhint %}
Within ShipStation, DSTNC will automatically provide a link to a branded packing slip within the notes section. The name of DSTNC will also be visible in the notes section to help distinguish dropship orders from your own orders. Finally, the **source** will also be set to DSTNC.
## Store ID (Optional)
If you have multiple different stores, you may want to provide DSTNC with the **Store ID.** To find the store ID, you will need to go to **Selling Channels > Store setup** and click on **Edit** next to the store you want to connect to DSTNC. The URL will then display a number at the end, which is the Store ID.
{% hint style="success" %}
Once items are shipped in ShipStation, the tracking details will automatically be imported back into DSTNC, and a shipping confirmation email will be sent to the customer.
{% endhint %}
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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://docs.dstnc.com/integrations/shipstation.md?ask=
```
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.