# AuthorizationCopyPrivilegedReference Retrieves the authorization reference passed by the AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges function. ``` OSStatus AuthorizationCopyPrivilegedReference(AuthorizationRef*authorization, AuthorizationFlags flags); ``` ## Parameters `authorization` A pointer to an authorization reference. The Security Server allocates the authorization reference for you, so you do not need to call the function [`AuthorizationCreate(_:_:_:_:)`](/documentation/Security/AuthorizationCreate(_:_:_:_:)). On return, it points to a copy of the authorization reference used in the call to the [`AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges`](/documentation/Security/AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges) function. `flags` Reserved options. Pass the [`kAuthorizationFlagDefaults`](/documentation/Security/AuthorizationFlags/kAuthorizationFlagDefaults) constant. ## Return Value A result code. See [Authorization Services Result Codes](/documentation/Security/authorization-services-result-codes). ## Discussion > Important: > This function is deprecated. > Use a `launchd`-launched helper tool and/or the Service Management framework for this functionality. This function retrieves the authorization reference you pass in the function [`AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges`](/documentation/Security/AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges). The new process can use the authorization reference to verify authorizations obtained by the calling process. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)