# Configure a Validator Instance

A validator instance is a configurable local roster member with canonical class: validator and matching tool_policy: validator. “Ultron” may be used as a display alias, but it is not a required identity, class alias, product name, or source of authority.

Use the [validated generic roster](../examples/roster-v2.yaml) as the safe shape. Choose a unique stable name and explicit supported runtime/provider/model/reasoning values. Start stopped:

```yaml
name: validator-example
alias: Validator Example
class: validator
tool_policy: validator
lifecycle:
  enabled: true
  desired_state: stopped
```

Plan the full payload with the current generation and create without `--persisted-start`. Creation writes desired state and projections only; it does not launch a validator.

`validator` may issue independent validation evidence or a certificate. It has no approve-to-land or merge authority. `merge-gate` remains the sole protected merge authority, and changing the validator's name, alias, persona prose, runtime, provider, model, or tool-policy text cannot elevate it.

Certificate consumption and final release evidence remain FCM-M5-002 gates. This page does not create a certificate or authorize merge. See [safe CRUD](create-update-delete-agent.md) and [role authority](../concepts/role-authority-and-leases.md).
