The instructions for v.3 of the Google Maps API say that I

should load the Maps API using an API key

Curiously it says I should..., rather than I must..... Anyhow, at the moment, I am not using an API key simply because (as far as I can remember) there was no mention of an API key when I was writing the code that calls this API.

Should I go back and add an API key to the URL that loads the API? It seems to work fine without the key, so I don't have any particular incentive to do this.

The instructions for v.3 of the Google Maps API say that I

should load the Maps API using an API key

Curiously it says I should..., rather than I must..... Anyhow, at the moment, I am not using an API key simply because (as far as I can remember) there was no mention of an API key when I was writing the code that calls this API.

Should I go back and add an API key to the URL that loads the API? It seems to work fine without the key, so I don't have any particular incentive to do this.

• javascript
• google-maps

• I thought it does only work without a key on localhost? – Luke Commented Jul 9, 2012 at 14:57
• @Luke: That's how it was with the API V2. – Marcelo Commented Jul 9, 2012 at 15:34
• Now you must use an API key but there is a workaround: stackoverflow./questions/38148097/… – baptx Commented Sep 11, 2016 at 19:33

3 Answers 3

You're actually required to not have a key if you're a business user. Here's a quote from Google:

Google Maps API for Business developers must not include a key in their requests. Please refer to Loading the Google Maps JavaScript API for Business-specific instructions.

Normal users, however, will be fine with or without a key, although Google remends having a key so you can monitor the API usage. Here is a quote verifying this:

The Google Maps JavaScript API V3 does not require a key, but there are benefits to using one.

You only need a key if you want to use the API management console to restrict access, collect usage statistics, etc. So, a key is remended but not required. See Obtaining an API key

In Api version 2 a key is required to run gmap out of localhost in the API v3 a key is not required