# About authentication

Source: https://developer.avalara.com/avatax-dm-combined-erp/common-setup/authentication/

# About authentication

This first task describes authenticating using the API and the available authentication methods. It also provides helpful information about the two environments: [Sandbox](https://sandbox.admin.avalara.com) and [Production](https://admin.avalara.com).  

If you know the authentication method you're going to use, and you are ready to authenticate, you can skip to the [Ping the server](/avatax-dm-combined-erp/common-setup/authentication/ping-the-server) section.

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