DHL Express Credentials

Get API credentials from DHL Express to display live DHL shipping rates in your checkout.

Important: DHL is retiring older API versions. SOAP and REST V1 APIs will be fully retired by May 31, 2026. New integrations must use MyDHL API REST V2. If you have an existing older integration, migrate to REST V2 as soon as possible.

What You Need

• Active DHL Express shipping account
• DHL account number (6-10 digits, found on invoices)
• Access to DHL Developer Portal

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Access Developer Portal

1. Visit DHL Developer Portal
2. Click "Sign Up" (or "Log In" if you have an account)
3. Select "DHL Express" as your service
4. Complete registration with your business details

2. Create Application

1. Log into the DHL Developer Portal
2. Click "My Apps" in the dashboard
3. Click "Create New App"
4. Enter app details:
   • App Name: "RateTell Integration" (or your store name)
   • Description: "E-commerce shipping rates"
5. Select APIs:
   • Rating API — required for live rates
   • Address Validation — recommended
6. Accept terms and conditions
7. Click "Create"

Some APIs may require a formal access request rather than a simple checkbox. Follow any additional prompts in the portal.

3. Get Your Credentials

After your app is created and approved, you'll receive your REST API credentials:

• API Key (similar to a Client ID)
• API Secret (keep this secure)

You will also need:

• Account Number — your DHL Express shipper account number (found on invoices or in your account dashboard)

The legacy Site ID field applies only to the old XML API. For REST V2 integrations, Site ID is not required.

Where to find your Account Number:

• DHL Express invoices
• Account dashboard on DHL.com
• Contact DHL customer service

4. Add to RateTell

1. Log into your RateTell dashboard
2. Go to Carriers in the sidebar
3. Click "Connect" on the DHL Express card
4. Enter credentials:
   • API Key — Paste from developer portal
   • API Secret — Paste from developer portal
   • Account Number — Your DHL Express account number
5. Enter Origin Address:
   • Complete warehouse/shipping address
   • Must include valid postal code
6. Click "Test Connection"
7. If successful, click "Save"

Testing Your Setup

Test Environment

DHL provides a separate testing environment so you can try out the connection before going live:

1. Enable Test Mode in RateTell carrier settings
2. Use your test API credentials from the developer portal
3. Test rates won't affect your live shipping or billing

Verify Connection

Click "Test Connection" to confirm your credentials work and your account is active.

Troubleshooting

Invalid API Key: Copy credentials exactly (case-sensitive, no extra spaces). You can regenerate keys in the developer portal if needed.

Account Not Authorized: Contact your DHL Express account manager to enable API access on your account. Some APIs require prior approval.

No Rates Returned: Confirm your Account Number is correct and your origin address includes a valid postal code. Verify the Rating API is enabled in your DHL app.

Site ID or Password errors: You may be trying to use the legacy XML API. Ensure you are using the REST V2 API with API Key and API Secret instead.

Persistent authentication failures: DHL does not enforce a strict key expiration schedule, but unused keys may be deleted after extended inactivity. If problems continue, regenerate your API Key and API Secret in the developer portal.

Next Steps

• Configure Carrier Rates
• Test Your Setup
• How Landed Cost Works

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Need help? Email support@ratetell.com