---
title: "Delete Identity"
method: POST
path: "/v2/identities.deleteIdentity"
tags: ["identities"]
---

# Delete Identity

`POST /v2/identities.deleteIdentity`

Permanently delete an identity. This operation cannot be undone.

Use this for data cleanup, compliance requirements, or when removing entities from your system.

> **Important**
> Requires `identity.*.delete_identity` permission
> Associated API keys remain functional but lose shared resources
> External ID becomes available for reuse immediately

## Request body

- V2IdentitiesDeleteIdentityRequestBody
  - `identity` string, required — The ID of the identity to delete. This can be either the externalId (from your own system that was used during identity creation) or the identityId (the internal ID returned by the identity service).

## Response `200`

Identity successfully deleted

- V2IdentitiesDeleteIdentityResponseBody — Empty response object. A successful response indicates the identity was deleted successfully.
  - `meta` Meta, required — Metadata object included in every API response. This provides context about the request and is essential for debugging, audit trails, and support inquiries. The `requestId` is particularly important when troubleshooting issues with the Unkey support team.
    - `requestId` string, required — A unique id for this request. Always include this ID when contacting support about a specific API request. This identifier allows Unkey's support team to trace the exact request through logs and diagnostic systems to provide faster assistance.

## Other responses

- `400` — Bad request
- `401` — Unauthorized
- `403` — Forbidden - Insufficient permissions (requires `identity.*.delete_identity`)
- `404` — Not Found - Identity with the specified externalId doesn't exist
- `429` — Too Many Requests
- `500` — Error

---

[API](https://skmtc.net/unkeyed/apis/unkey-api.md) · [All operations](https://skmtc.net/unkeyed/apis/unkey-api/llms.txt) · [OpenAPI document](https://skmtc-service-staging.skmtc.workers.dev/v1/apis/unkeyed/unkey-api/revisions/9bbd42d710cf/schema)