Installation of your CAC Reader on Mac: Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Obtain a CAC Reader: This can be done at BuyCACReaders.com 

Step 2: Determine Your MacOS: Identify which version of the mac operating system you have. If your macOS is Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Venture OR NEWER, middleware is not required for these operating systems to read your CAC card. However, if your system is not one of the above or newer, middleware will be required.  

 

Step 3: Download Middleware: PKard® for Mac replaces the native macOS PKI solution to provide users with a solid product with full, free, U.S. based support. It is the same commercial code used by the Pentagon, all six DoD services, White House, NIH, and DOI across tens of thousands of Mac users since the mid-2000s. Our U.S. engineered PKard for Mac software meets the needs of U.S. DoD and Federal Mac users. PKard for Mac provides two-factor authentication support using a CAC, CAC Dual Persona, PIV, or PIV-I smart card to applications capable of certificate authentication via Apple’s Keychain. 

You can download  PKard® for Mac and learn more about the software from our partner at Tx Systems.

 

Step 4: Trouble Shooting: View our Frequently Asked Questions page for trouble shooting for common CAC issues.