# Errors Errors return a JSON body with an error code and a message. 400 means a bad parameter, 401 an invalid key, 404 no such record, 429 a rate or monthly limit, and 5xx a server problem; errors never cost credits. Retry 429 after the reset time in the body. Retry 5xx with exponential backoff. Do not retry 400, 401 or 404.Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [RFC 9110 HTTP semantics](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc9110) | 400 | Bad parameter | | --- | --- | | 401 | Invalid or revoked key | | 404 | Record not found in the dated extract | | 429 | Rate or monthly limit | | Credits on error | 0 | ## Retry policy - Retry 429 after the reset time in the body. - Retry 5xx with exponential backoff. - Do not retry 400, 401 or 404. ## Related - [SAM.gov API errors](https://samgovapi.io/sam-gov-api-errors) - [Credits](https://samgovapi.io/docs/credits)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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HTML version: https://samgovapi.io/docs/errors . Markdown: https://samgovapi.io/docs/errors.md

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