> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/collateralize-your-node.md).

# Collateralize Your Node

This guide outlines the steps required to collateralize your node’s hot wallet, meeting the staking requirements needed to join the **Constellation Network Hypergraph** or a **metagraph**.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Connect to your node

Follow the [connection guide](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node/first-time-connection-guide.md) to connect to your node.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Export your private key

#### MainNet

```
sudo nodectl export-private-key -p dag-l0
```

#### Dor metagraph

```
suod nodectl export-private-key -p dor-dl1
```

#### IntegrationNet

You should **not export your private key** when participating on **IntegrationNet**.\
The $DAG tokens used on IntegrationNet hold <mark style="color:red;">**no intrinsic value**</mark>.

Collateral requirements for this TestNet are validated through a **connected wallet** within your **Lattice account** that contains the required 25&#x30;**,**&#x30;00 **$DAG** collateral.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Supply your p12 passphrase

Due to the sensitive nature of this command, `nodectl` will prompt you to manually re-enter your `.p12` keystore passphrase before proceeding.

```

  This command requires manual re-entry of your p12 passphrase
  You may press q + <enter> to quit
  You will not see the q echoed to the screen.
  Please enter your p12 passphrase to validate config_file:

```

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Record your private key confidentially

Be careful with this private key

```
 WARNING  THIS IS YOUR PRIVATE KEY
  DO NOT EXPOSE TO ANYONE, AS YOUR HOT WALLET AND NODE CAN BE COMPROMISED!

  PRIVATE KEY FOR [constellation-node01.p12]
  =============================================================================================
  13abcdef13abcdef13abcdef13abcdef13abcdef13abcdef13abcdef13abcdef
  =============================================================================================
```

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Connect to your Stargazer Wallet

Login as normal.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the "Settings" :gear:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2FKrGsNW1q7JoB2GM60u1A%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=dc9412e1-158f-4552-b5e4-77d28342d015" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Wallets

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2FPmCSoJAUlFIllIl76MEU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4e4405d5-9a08-41e9-9c1b-e5b73bbf4c22" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add a new wallet

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2FhqGmoPCaCJiki9TIDcJr%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=85124f2a-71a6-4da4-bba2-fa5bbf982135" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import a wallet

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2FPuLpjU6QBfdH6PNhGSnj%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=8aecb39c-81d6-422e-966a-7fce8f92fc29" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Constellation wallet type

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2F8peZ2gbnWw1Y0qcROFza%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e2e84834-7744-4ba3-8fae-81c7edd422e0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Paste your private key

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2FZb1T2esYcWCm2ZCrfyGq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=495fc635-2c27-4de4-8216-c1f03cc36021" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://1221231704-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZrtHSqcmP0ydsdSnYXRM%2Fuploads%2FSxW1CsooYo5JUBCbB29y%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=cb6dff38-f6c7-4ca3-9ecf-d5c3edd07406" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Collateralize

You may begin transferring your **$DAG** or **$DOR** tokens to your newly imported wallet.

:construction: <mark style="color:red;">**Proceed with caution**</mark>

Start by sending a small test amount to ensure the transfer is successful before committing to a full transfer.

You can continue with multiple transfers or a single lump-sum transfer after the test is confirmed.\
\
There should be no fees associated with these transfers.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

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