1. Go to https://code.google.com/apis/console/
2. Sign-in with your Google account, if you are not already.
3. Select Services from the left hand menu.
4. If the Terms of Service appear, read and accept them.
5. You will see a list of Services. Scroll to Google Maps API v2, Google Maps API v3, and Places API.
6. Flip the off switch to on.
7. Select API Access from the left hand menu.
8. Your key is in the "API key:" section of the bottom pane.
9. Use it in tools or URLs where requested.
10. Giggle with delight that you now have this power.
11. Make sure to high five your neighbor.

Fin.