# Complete Step

> Complete a wizard step and move on

**Endpoint:** `POST /v1/applications/{application_id}/steps/{step}/complete`  
**Access:** Free (guest token or account)  
**MCP tool:** `complete_step`

Only the user (or their agent) moves the wizard forward; background work never does. Works for the current step once every required item in its `requirements` is met, and for an earlier step marked `attention` once it's fixed (that step's checks are re-run live). Paid steps need an account. 409 `step_not_ready` lists what's missing; 409 `step_locked` when an earlier step comes first. Completing an already completed step returns the application unchanged.

## cURL example

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.verifiedinbox.ai/v1/applications/0192a5e0-1234-7000-8000-000000000001/steps/domain/complete" \
  -H "VI-Guest-Token: vi_guest_YOUR_TOKEN"
```

## Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `application_id` (path, required) | `string (uuid)` | Application id. |
| `step` (path, required) | `string` | Wizard step, e.g. `domain`, `email-security`, `dns`. |
| `VI-Environment` (header) | `string` | `live` (default) or `test`. Used for anonymous callers and OAuth access tokens; API keys and web sessions carry their own environment. |

## Responses

### 200 OK

The application after completing the step.

```json
{
  "background": [
    {
      "kind": "domain_scan",
      "message": "Everything checks out.",
      "next_run_at": "2026-10-31T12:00:00Z",
      "state": "string",
      "status": "pending",
      "updated_at": "2026-10-31T12:00:00Z"
    }
  ],
  "brand_name": "string",
  "contact_email": "string",
  "created_at": "2026-10-31T12:00:00Z",
  "current_step": "domain",
  "domain": "acme.com",
  "domain_display": "string",
  "domain_status": "unknown",
  "email_usage": "none",
  "environment": "live",
  "id": "0192a5e0-1234-7000-8000-000000000001",
  "next_actions": [
    {
      "api": {
        "method": "string",
        "path": "string"
      },
      "description": "string",
      "kind": "string",
      "mcp_tool": "string",
      "requires_auth": true,
      "requires_payment": true,
      "step": "domain",
      "title": "string",
      "url": "https://verifiedinbox.ai/verify/0192a5e0-1234-7000-8000-000000000001/domain"
    }
  ],
  "organizational_domain": "string",
  "outcomes": {
    "bimi": "not_published",
    "business": "not_started",
    "certificate": "not_ordered",
    "dmarc_rollout": "missing",
    "eligibility": "unknown",
    "inbox_display": "not_observed",
    "logo": "missing",
    "ownership": "pending",
    "payment": "unpaid",
    "trademark": "not_started"
  },
  "owner": {
    "type": "guest"
  },
  "product": "vmc",
  "product_selected": "vmc",
  "recommended_product": "vmc",
  "steps": [
    {
      "completed_at": "2026-10-31T12:00:00Z",
      "paid": true,
      "phase": "check",
      "requirements": [],
      "slug": "domain",
      "status": "locked",
      "summary": "string",
      "title": "string"
    }
  ],
  "updated_at": "2026-10-31T12:00:00Z",
  "version": 1,
  "web_url": "https://verifiedinbox.ai/verify/0192a5e0-1234-7000-8000-000000000001/domain"
}
```

### 400 (invalid_request)

`invalid_request` — the request is malformed.

```json
{
  "error": {
    "code": "invalid_request",
    "message": "Please provide a valid domain name."
  }
}
```

### 401 (unauthenticated)

`unauthenticated` — sign in / send a valid credential. `next_action.kind = sign_in`.

```json
{
  "error": {
    "code": "unauthenticated",
    "message": "Sign in or provide an API key to continue.",
    "next_action": {
      "kind": "sign_in",
      "title": "Sign in or create an account",
      "url": "/login"
    }
  }
}
```

### 404 (not_found)

`not_found` — doesn't exist or isn't accessible to you (never 403).

```json
{
  "error": {
    "code": "not_found",
    "message": "We couldn't find that resource."
  }
}
```

### 409 (version_conflict)

Not ready (`step_not_ready`, `details.missing`) or not available yet (`step_locked`).

```json
{
  "error": {
    "code": "version_conflict",
    "message": "This application was updated elsewhere. Refresh and try again."
  }
}
```

### 422 (unprocessable)

`unprocessable` / `blocked_provider` — understood but can't be done (plain-English reason).

```json
{
  "error": {
    "code": "unprocessable",
    "message": "Shared mailbox providers like gmail.com cannot be verified."
  }
}
```

### 429 (rate_limited)

`rate_limited` — retry after `Retry-After` seconds (`details.retry_after_seconds`). `limit_reached` — a quota is used up; `details.limit` names it and `next_action` offers support.

```json
{
  "error": {
    "code": "rate_limited",
    "message": "Too many requests. Please wait a moment and try again."
  }
}
```