> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.circle.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Going to production

> Transition your Digital Asset Accounts integration from sandbox to production

## 1. Request production access

Contact your [Circle representative](mailto:sales@circle.com) to request
production API access. Production access requires a signed agreement with
Circle.

## 2. Replace sandbox URLs with production URLs

Update the base URL in your application from the sandbox endpoint to the
production endpoint.

| Environment | API host                         |
| :---------- | :------------------------------- |
| Sandbox     | `https://api-sandbox.circle.com` |
| Production  | `https://api.circle.com`         |

## 3. Replace your API key

Replace your sandbox API key with your production API key. Your production API
key is provided by Circle after your production access is approved.

<Warning>
  **Keep your production API key safe.** Because the production API key allows you
  to work with real funds, treat it with appropriate security protocols. Never
  expose it in client-side code or public repositories.
</Warning>

## 4. Account for production settlement times

In sandbox, wire deposits and blockchain transactions settle instantly. In
production, be aware of the following differences:

| Operation          | Sandbox behavior | Production behavior                     |
| ------------------ | ---------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Wire deposits      | Instant          | 1-2 business days                       |
| Wire withdrawals   | Instant          | 1-2 business days                       |
| Crypto deposits    | Instant          | Varies by blockchain (minutes to hours) |
| Crypto transfers   | Instant          | Varies by blockchain (minutes to hours) |
| Internal transfers | Instant          | Instant (same as sandbox)               |

Update your application's user interface to set the right expectations for your
end customers about processing times.

## 5. Verify KYB onboarding flow

In sandbox, KYB verification is automatically approved. In production, Circle
performs real KYB checks on your end customers. Ensure your integration handles
the following scenarios:

* **Pending verification**: The account is created but not yet active while
  Circle reviews the business entity
* **Rejected verification**: The business entity does not pass KYB checks and
  the account is not activated

## 6. Review transaction limits

Sandbox limits differ from production limits. Verify the applicable limits for
your end customers' risk tiers and ensure your integration handles limit errors
gracefully. See
[Limits and risk ratings](/digital-asset-accounts/concepts/limits-and-risk-ratings)
for details.

## 7. Set up webhook notifications

If you haven't already, configure
[webhook notifications](/api-reference/webhook-endpoints#v1-notifications) for
your production environment to receive real-time updates on deposits,
withdrawals, and transfers. Using webhooks reduces the need for polling and
ensures you respond quickly to account events.

## Production checklist

Before going live, confirm that you have completed each of the following items:

* Obtained a production API key from Circle
* Updated all API calls to use the production base URL
* Tested authentication with the production API key
* Handled KYB pending and rejected states in your onboarding flow
* Accounted for real-world settlement times in your user interface
* Configured webhook notifications for production
* Verified that transaction limit errors are handled gracefully