- Ensure your CAC reader works with Mac
- Check to ensure your Mac accepts the reader
- Check your Mac OS version
- Check your CAC’s version
- Update your DOD certificates
- Guidance for Firefox Users
- Look at graphs to see which CAC enabler to use
Step 1: Purchase a Mac Friendly CAC Reader
Purchase a CAC reader that works for your Mac. There are only a couple that you can choose from and I’ve listed them below.
If you already have a CAC reader and it isn’t Mac friendly, you could update the firmware, however, for the non-tech savvy people out there, it’s probably better to just purchase a new one and save the headache – they’re only ~$11-13 dollars.
Best Mac Compatible CAC USB Readers
- TAA Compliant CAC/PIV Reader. ActivClient/Pkard software may be required for CAC/PIV use.
- USB-C DESKTOP READER: Be sure to check the connector port on your computer. This device is compatible with USB-C ports.
- FULLY COMPLIANT - Complies with all major industry standards, including ISO/IEC 7816, USB CCID, PC/SC, and Microsoft WHQL. As well as, EMV 2011 Ver 4.3 Level 1 and GSA FIPS 201.
- SEAMLESS INTEGRATION - With Identiv-specific SmartOS you’ll get easy, complete support of all major contact smart card ICs and technologies in one simple reader.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Works with virtually all contact chip cards and PC operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux and Android.
- USB-C/Type C CAC card reader military, compatible with Windows 10/11, Mac OS 10.15 or later verison. (Windows 11 need a driver)
- MAC user: Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program
- ID/IC strong compatibility. Supports Government ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards.
- Don't support Iphone and ipad
- Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards. Good for online banking and credit card payment apps, etc
- Plug-and-play (NO Drivers): The highly integrated chip of Taiwan is designed to work seamlessly with Windows and Mac operating systems, without requiring any drivers or installation processes.
- Compatible with smart cards for secure login; And RECOMMENDED by militarycac dot com. Support standard ISO7816 Class A,B and C, PC/SC2.0 , Microsoft WHQL, EMV and USB-IF CCID standard.
- DOD Military CAC USB Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- Sleek Ergonomic Design -Gloss Black Finish. ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- What You Get: CAC USB Smart Card Reader, 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
- Advanced Realtek Chipset; PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards
- Sleek ergonomic flat design, precise slot, convenient to horizontally plug card
- Compatible with Windows10/11, Mac OS 10.15 or later. Driver free, plug and play.
- New generation DOD Military CAC USB smart chip card reader, no firmware upgrade requirements
Best Mac Compatible CAC Desk Readers
- USB-C/Type C CAC card reader military, compatible with Windows 10/11, Mac OS 10.15 or later verison. (Windows 11 need a driver)
- MAC user: Java is necessary for MAC user. Please install Java firstly on Java's official website. DOD and USG users: need a third-party CAC Enabler program
- ID/IC strong compatibility. Supports Government ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards.
- Don't support Iphone and ipad
- Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards. Good for online banking and credit card payment apps, etc
- Advanced Realtek Chipset; PIV, EMS, ISO-7816 & EMV2 2000 Level 1, CE, FCC, VCCI and Microsoft WHQL certifications.
- Supports ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email and etc. CAC chip cards
- Sleek ergonomic flat design, precise slot, convenient to horizontally plug card
- Compatible with Windows10/11, Mac OS 10.15 or later. Driver free, plug and play.
- New generation DOD Military CAC USB smart chip card reader, no firmware upgrade requirements
- Plug-and-play (NO Drivers): The highly integrated chip of Taiwan is designed to work seamlessly with Windows and Mac operating systems, without requiring any drivers or installation processes.
- Compatible with smart cards for secure login; And RECOMMENDED by militarycac dot com. Support standard ISO7816 Class A,B and C, PC/SC2.0 , Microsoft WHQL, EMV and USB-IF CCID standard.
- DOD Military CAC USB Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- Sleek Ergonomic Design -Gloss Black Finish. ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- What You Get: CAC USB Smart Card Reader, 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
- DOD Military CAC USB-C/Type C Smart Card Reader for Government ID, National ID, ActivClient, AKO, OWA, DKO, JKO, NKO, BOL, GKO, Marinenet, AF Portal, Pure Edge Viewer, ApproveIt, DCO, DTS, LPS, Disa Enterprise Email etc. CAC Cards ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- Compatible with windows (32/64bit) XP/Vista/ 7/8/10, Mac OS X
- Sleek Ergonomic Design -Gloss Black Finish. PIV and EMS ready.ISO7816 Class A,B and C.
- Compatible with US Military and Government DOD ID cards for secure login ( Don't support VA PIV card)
- What You Get: Saicoo CAC USB-C Smart Card Reader, CD driver, 18-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
Step 2: Plug in and Ensure It’s Accepted
Once you have your CAC reader, plug it into your Mac and ensure your computer recognizes it. If you have one of the CAC readers we suggested above, then you should be good to go.
If for some reason your CAC reader isn’t working, you may need to download the appropriate drivers for your CAC reader. You can find these drivers on the Reader’s Manufacturer Website.
Step 3: Update Your DOD Certificates
Now that you have your CAC reader connected and accepted on your Mac computer, it’s time to ensure you have the right certificates in order to access DOD CAC required web pages.
Procedure for Chrome and Safari
- Type ⇧⌘U (Shift + Command + U) to access your Utilities
- Find and Double click “Keychain Access”
- Select “Login” and “All Items”
- Download the following five files and double click each once downloaded so as to install in your Keychain Access.
- When you double-click the Mac Root Cert 3 and 4, you’ll need to tell your browser to always trust them. Click the button like you see below:
Additional Steps for Firefox
If you’re using Mozilla Firefox as your primary browser, you’re going to need to perform some additional steps. First, perform the same steps that you did for Chrome and Safari. Afterwards, follow these additional steps to get started.
*If you’re having issues downloading the zip file below, try right clicking the link and opening the file in a new tab.
- Download All Certs zip and double click to unzip all 39 files
- While in Firefox, click “Firefox” on the top left, then “Preferences”
- Then Click “Advanced” > “Certificates” > “View Certificates”
- Then Click “Authorities” and then “Import”
- Import each file individually from the “AllCerts” folder. When you do this, the below box will popup. Check all three boxes and click “OK”
Step 4: Download and install CAC Enabler
Choosing the right CAC enabler can be pretty tricky. It all depends on what OS you have installed, how you installed it, and even what kind of CAC Card you have!
In order to get the right enabler, be sure to visit our trusty guide to Mac CAC Enablers! It’ll walk you through exactly which enabler is right for you.
CAC Access at Home Success
Now that you have a CAC reader, certificates, and a CAC Enabler, you should now be able to access any CAC-enabled website and log on using your CAC password and data.
Common Reasons Why Your CAC Card Won’t Work On Your Mac
Ensure Your CAC Card Meets the Standards: In order for your CAC card to work, it must meet the minimal requirements. Currently, there are only four types of CAC cards that can be used. The ensure you have the right CAC card for online access, flip your CAC card to the back and if you have one of the below numbers written on the top left, then you are good to go:
- G&D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2
- Oberthur ID one 128 v5.5 Dual
- GEMALTO DLGX4-A 144
- GEMALTO TOP DL GX4 144
If you do not have any of the above written on the back, then proceed to your nearest PSD to get a new CAC card issued.
After clicking the download icon the four files are not downloading to my keychain access. Any advice?
Try a different browser. Sometimes a “advertisement blocker” in one or a plugin might stop the download.
I had the same issue. You can also manually drag the icons on to “login” under keychains. Worked for me that way.
My CAC was working about a week ago and it no longer gives me access to specific websites?
Everything was working up until yesterday, and now I can no longer access any car sites. When I am prompted to select a certificate and enter my pin, I keep getting prompted to enter my pin. I enter the pin and the same prompt to enter my pin pops up again. I cannot get past this page. What is happening.
My cac has been working for a year. Now all of a sudden its promting me for my cac pin and its not recognizing it. I have installed a new iOS and installed my certs again and still not recognizing my pin. Can anyone help ?
When I upgraded to Catalina, I had the exact same issue. But I had third party middleware installed. Catalina has its own, and the two weren’t jiving. After uninstalling my middleware, things went back to normal.
I’ve done all of the steps, cleared the cache, restarted the computer (I’ve got Catalina 10.15.4), but I still keep getting repeated requests for PIN and can’t access any CAC enabled website either on Chrome or on Safari. Everything was working up until yesterday….
Oh, and Google recommends Smart Card Connector App as well as CAC Key which I enable on Chrome, but Smart Card Connector App says:
Warning: The app is intended to be run on Chrome OS only!
Smart Card readers: SCM Microsystems Inc. SCR 3310 (Error 0x80100005).
Are you using any Middleware? If so, you’ll need to uninstall it since Catalina has its own middleware.