> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://taraxa.gitbook.io/taraxa-network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://taraxa.gitbook.io/taraxa-network/become-a-validator.md).

# Become a Validator

## Becoming a Validator on the Mainnet

We've launched our Mainnet network! You can now join the Mainnet as a validator. 

To become a validator, you need to do and be aware of the following, 

* [Set up a validator node](/taraxa-network/become-a-validator/set-up-validator-node.md) 
* [Register your validator node on the community site](/taraxa-network/become-a-validator/register-node-via-community-site.md) (requires KYC), OR
* [Register your validator node by directly interacting with the on-chain DPoS contract](/taraxa-network/become-a-validator/register-node-directly-on-chain.md)
* [Solicit delegation](/taraxa-network/become-a-validator/solicit-delegation.md)
* [Node upgrade & reset operations](/taraxa-network/become-a-validator/node-upgrade-and-reset.md)

## Quick FAQs

### Do Validator operators need to put up collateral or self-stake? 

There is a 1,000 TARA self-staking requirement to register with the on-chain DPoS contract. At the time of this writing 1,000 TARA isn't a lot of money, and this is not meant to be collateral, but rather to deter spamming attacks on the DPoS contract. 

### How do Validators produce blocks? 

Validators receive delegation of TARA tokens. A minimum delegation of 500k TARA is required to start producing blocks, and each Validator can take on a maximum of 80 million TARA of delegated stake. The more delegated TARA a Validator has, the more likely and more frequently it will produce blocks. 

### How are Validators rewarded? 

Validators charge a commission, which is a percentage of the total staking yields that come from the TARA that has been delegated to it. 

### Where can I see a list of current Validators? 

You can see a list of current Validators, their delegation, yields efficiency and commissions on the [Taraxa Community Site's Staking section](https://community.taraxa.io/staking). 


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