generated: '2026-09-05'
method: searched
source: >-
  https://privacy.ca.gov/drop-for-data-brokers/technical-specifications/getting-started/
  (docs) enriching openapi/ccpa-drop-databroker-api.yml (spec)
docs: https://privacy.ca.gov/drop-for-data-brokers/technical-specifications/getting-started/
provider: CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
providerId: ccpa
api: ccpa:drop-data-broker-api
summary:
  types:
    - apiKey
  api_key_in:
    - header
  oauth2: false
  openid_connect: false
  mutual_tls: false
  scopes: false
schemes:
  - name: ApiKeyAuth
    type: apiKey
    in: header
    parameter: X-API-KEY
    description: >-
      API key issued through the Data Broker Portal. The key grants access only to the
      consumer deletion lists selected during setup.
    applied: global
    sources:
      - openapi/ccpa-drop-databroker-api.yml
      - https://privacy.ca.gov/drop-for-data-brokers/technical-specifications/getting-started/
key_lifecycle:
  issuance: >-
    Keys are generated in the DROP Data Broker Portal (https://databroker.drop.privacy.ca.gov/)
    after data broker registration and fee payment are complete. Sign in, go to
    Home > Consumer Deletion Lists, select the list type(s), Save, then open the API Key tab
    and choose "Get a new API key".
  sandbox_issuance: >-
    A separate sandbox key is issued from SANDBOX ENVIRONMENT > ISSUE SANDBOX API KEY in the
    same portal.
  rotation: >-
    Provider guidance: "Store keys securely using environment variables or secret management
    systems. Regenerate keys if compromised or if list selection changes." Issuing a new key
    deactivates all previous keys (notification event "API Key Changed").
  scoping: >-
    A key is scoped to the consumer deletion list types selected during setup (NDZ, Email,
    Phone, MAID, NameVIN, CTVID). Changing list selection requires regenerating the key.
  authorization_model: >-
    Per-data-broker credential tied to a registered CalPrivacy data broker account. There is
    no OAuth, no scopes surface, and no delegated/third-party authorization flow.
failure_modes:
  - status: 401
    body: 'API key is missing or invalid. Fix or regenerate the API key and try again.'
    observed: >-
      Live unauthenticated GET https://api.drop.privacy.ca.gov/data/download on 2026-09-05
      returned 401 with this plain-text body (not application/problem+json).
  - status: 403
    meaning: Key is valid but the account is not authorized for the requested list or action.
notes: >-
  This is a REGULATOR-operated API. The credential is issued as part of a statutory
  registration process under the California Delete Act (Civil Code 1798.99.80 et seq.),
  not through self-service signup, and carries an annual fee.