CAC Reader Setup Guides

Step-by-step instructions to get your CAC reader working on any device

Windows Mac Linux Mobile

Before You Start

1

Get a CAC Reader

You'll need a compatible smart card reader. See our top recommendations →

2

Have Your CAC Ready

Make sure your Common Access Card is not expired and the chip is clean and undamaged.

3

Know Your PIN

You'll need your CAC PIN. If forgotten, visit your ID card office to reset it.

Windows Setup

Windows 10 & 11 installation guides

Step 1

Install CAC Reader Drivers

Most modern CAC readers are plug-and-play on Windows 10/11. Simply connect your reader via USB and wait for Windows to install drivers automatically.

Tip: If not recognized, download drivers from the manufacturer's website.
Step 2

Install DoD Certificates

Download and install the DoD root certificates to enable secure connections to military websites.

  1. Download InstallRoot from militarycac.com
  2. Run as Administrator
  3. Click "Install DoD Certificates"
  4. Restart your browser
Step 3

Configure Your Browser

Set up your preferred browser to work with CAC authentication.

Chrome Edge Firefox

Chrome and Edge use Windows certificate store automatically. Firefox requires additional configuration.

Step 4

Test Your Setup

Verify everything works by visiting a CAC-enabled site.

  1. Insert your CAC card
  2. Visit https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect
  3. Select your certificate when prompted
  4. Enter your PIN

Related Windows Guides

Mac Setup

macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey & earlier

Step 1

Connect Your CAC Reader

Most CAC readers work natively on macOS without additional drivers. Simply plug in your reader.

M1/M2/M3 Macs: Ensure your reader is Apple Silicon compatible. The SCR3310 and Identiv uTrust work great.
Step 2

Install DoD Certificates

Add DoD root certificates to your Mac's Keychain.

  1. Download certificates from militarycac.com
  2. Open Keychain Access
  3. Drag certificates to "System" keychain
  4. Set trust to "Always Trust"
Step 3

Configure Safari or Chrome

Safari uses macOS Keychain automatically. For Chrome:

  1. Chrome uses the system certificate store
  2. No additional configuration needed
  3. Insert CAC and visit a DoD site
Note: Firefox on Mac requires separate certificate configuration.
Step 4

Test with MilConnect

Verify your setup works correctly.

  1. Insert your CAC
  2. Open Safari or Chrome
  3. Visit milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
  4. Select certificate and enter PIN

Related Mac Guides

Linux Setup

Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian & other distros

Step 1

Install Required Packages

Install the smart card daemon and tools.

sudo apt install pcscd pcsc-tools opensc

For Fedora: sudo dnf install pcsc-lite pcsc-tools opensc

Step 2

Start Smart Card Service

Enable and start the PC/SC daemon.

sudo systemctl enable pcscd
sudo systemctl start pcscd
Step 3

Install DoD Certificates

Download and install DoD CA certificates.

  1. Download certificates from militarycac.com
  2. Import to system certificate store
  3. Configure browser to use certificates
Step 4

Configure Firefox

Firefox is recommended for Linux CAC access.

  1. Open Firefox → Settings → Privacy & Security
  2. Scroll to Certificates → Security Devices
  3. Load the OpenSC PKCS#11 module
  4. Module path: /usr/lib/opensc-pkcs11.so

Mobile Setup

iPhone, iPad & Android devices

Step 1

Get a Mobile CAC Reader

You need a CAC reader compatible with your mobile device.

iPhone/iPad: Lightning or USB-C reader (Identiv SCR3500 recommended)
Android: USB-C or micro-USB OTG reader
Step 2

Install CAC App

Download the appropriate app for your device.

iOS: CAC Key or Smart Card Utility
Android: CAC Key or bTrust
Step 3

Configure & Connect

  1. Connect your CAC reader to your device
  2. Insert your CAC card
  3. Open the CAC app
  4. Follow app setup instructions

⚠️ Important Note

As of June 2024, Army 365 (email/Teams) access from personal devices has been restricted. Check current policies before purchasing mobile CAC equipment for work purposes.

Common Setup Issues

Reader Not Detected

Computer doesn't recognize your CAC reader

View solutions →

No Certificates Found

Browser can't find certificates on your CAC

View solutions →

SSL/Certificate Errors

Security warnings when visiting DoD sites

View solutions →

PIN Not Accepted

Correct PIN rejected or locked out

View solutions →

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