Search MilitaryCAC: Site Map

.com | .us | .ml  | .mobi | .net | .org The Definitive Source for Everything CAC Common Access Card help for your Personal Computer

STEP 1a & 2a:  USB EXTERNAL CAC READERS

 Click the images below each reader to find online businesses selling the CAC reader you desire

ONCE YOU'VE DECIDED WHICH READER YOU WANT TO PURCHASE OR DOWNLOADED THE DRIVER, PROCEED TO STEP 3

A little bit of information / history:  Not all CAC readers are created equal.  This page shows over 45 different model CAC readers available.  You will only see readers that I have tested and will recommend to you on this page (Except for the Non-Supported (old) readers section). 

Due to Amazon terminating my affiliate account, I have chosen to NOT link to Amazon on this website.

CAC Reader Manufacturers (listed alphabetically):

 +iD  | 90meter |  ACS/ACR  |  ActivIdentity   |  Akasa  |  Belkin  |  Cherry  |  CP Technologies  |  DigiScan  | Eafer-Tech  |  GemPlus/Gemalto  |  HID  |  Identive (formerly SCM Microsystems)  | IOGear  |  Litronic  |  Manhattan  |  NetSign  |  Omnikey  | OPluz |  Advanced Card Systems  |  Rocketek  |  SAICOO  |  Schlumberger  |  SIIG  |  SMK-LINK  |  Stanley Global  |  Unotron  |  Zoweetek  |  Zvetco  |  Un-Supported (OLD) readers

NOTICE:  The links to vendors / products is an attempt to save you time searching for the specific item, by linking you directly to the item shown.  You will notice I have multiple [when I can find] vendors to choose from.  I have no personal preference as to who you decide to purchase from.  I am not endorsing any particular product or vendor, I'm merely informing you what works and places you can purchase a CAC reader from.

USB Type-C CAC Readers

Identive (formerly SCM Microsystems) SCR Readers

 SCR-3310 v2 CAC reader driver

Mac Friendly [10.5 - 12.x] Mac driver

Note:  This model is sold at MCX / NEX / PX & BX and works with all versions of Windows

NOTE2:  Mac OS 11.x would not read the "G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0" or "GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2" CAC with this reader with firmware Version below 6.02 and the Mac driver above.  So, if your reader is below 6.02, you may need to purchase a new reader.

SCR-331 CAC reader use driver located here sometimes you will need this driver

Mac Friendly [10.4 - 10.15.3 (NOT 10.15.4)]

If this reader does not initially work on your Windows 10 / 8.1, or Mac computer you may need to update the firmware

NOTE:  You must have firmware 5.25 to read the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 CAC or GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC.

NOTE:  Some Mac users are having problems with this old reader.  If you are going to purchase a CAC reader, and have a Mac, we recommend the SCR-3310 v2 (above), or SCR-3500 (below).

  .

This reader is no longer sold by the Vendor

SCR-3500 Smart fold mini USB Smart Card Reader

Mac Friendly [10.4 - 10.15, 11.xx, & 12.x.x]

Note: There is another SCR-3500 reader being sold with a Part number different from the original 905141 (sometimes shows as SCR3500A P/N:905430-1).  If you are a Mac user, install this updated driver.  Hold the control key [on your keyboard] when clicking the .pkg file [with your mouse], select [the word] Open

SCR-3311 Heavy base USB Smart Card (CAC) Reader driver

Mac Friendly [10.5.x - 10.15.x] (NOT Tiger 10.4))

NOTE:  Mac OS 11.x would not read the "G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0" CAC, or "GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2" CAC with this reader with firmware Version 5.18.  I am unaware of any firmware updates, you may need to purchase a new reader.

Identive Cloud 2700 R / uTrust 2700R Smart Card Reader

Mac [10.5 - 10.15] friendly (might need this update)

Does NOT work with Windows 8.1

Does not work with Chrome OS

SCR-335 USB Smart Card Reader Driver

Mac [10.5 - 10.15] friendly (might need this update)

NOT Mac compatible on OS 13 Ventura

Works on Chrome OS

SCR-301 CAC Reader

NOT Mac compatible

Look below

IOGear Readers

IOGEAR model GSR202 USB Smart Card Reader  Driver  (GSR201Driver)

NOTE:  If your reader is older than May 2019, it will not work with the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 or GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC.  You can validate the readers age by reading the very tiny Serial number, and looking for a serial # of: OU95USC6201609 or newer (the 95 translates to 2019May).  If it meets the criteria above, IOGear will replace it, but you have to contact them.  They will work out a plan to ship your reader to them and they will send you a replacement ONLY IF your reader is within their warranty period. The replacement they sent me works with the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 CAC.  It seems to me that it would be quicker for you to purchase a different reader.  But, if you have the time to wait, feel free to contact them.

Mac Friendly [10.5 - 10.15] (NOT Tiger (10.4))

Does NOT work with Chrome OS  My SN is OU06 (2020June)

.

. 

IOGear model GSR203

NOTE:  If your reader is older than May 2019, it will not work with the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 or GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC. 

Mac Friendly [10.5 - 10.15] (NOT Tiger (10.4))

DOES work with Chrome OS (My SN is OU28 (2012August))

IOGear model GSR202V

Mac Friendly [10.5 - 10.15] (NOT Tiger (10.4))

NOTE:  If your reader is older than May 2019, it will not work with the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 or GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC.  You can validate the readers age by reading the very tiny Serial number, and looking for a serial # of: OU95USC6201609 or newer (the 95 translates to 2019May).  If it meets the criteria above, IOGear will replace it, but you have to contact them.  They will work out a plan to ship your reader to them and they will send you a replacement ONLY IF your reader is within their warranty period. The replacement they sent me works with the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 CAC.  It seems to me that it would be quicker for you to purchase a different reader.  But, if you have the time to wait, feel free to contact them.

DOES work with Chrome OS (My SN is OU28 (2012August))

Stanley Global Readers

Stanley Global Model SGT111 USB Smart Card Reader 32bitDriver  64bitDriver

Mac [10.5 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

NOT compatible with Chromebooks

More information regarding this CAC Reader

Stanley Global Model SGT114 Smart Card Reader  32bitDriver  64bitDriver

Mac [10.5 - 10.7] friendly with this update (NOT Tiger 10.4) 

Mac [10.8 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

More information regarding this CAC & multi memory SIM Card Reader

 Stanley Global Model SGT117 USB Smart Card Reader  Driver

Mac [10.5 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

Stanley Global Model SGT118 USB Smart Card Reader  Driver

Mac [10.5 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

Will read the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 CAC

NOT compatible with Chromebooks

Stanley Global Model SGT119XM USB-C Smart Card Reader

Mac Friendly [unknown] none of my Macs have USB type C

Stanley Global Model SGT121 USB Smart Card Reader, Multi-Memory, SDXC, SIM Reader with 3-Port USB Hub  Driver

Mac [10.5 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

More information regarding this CAC Reader

Stanley Global Model SGT122 USB Smart Card Reader 81-In-One Multi-Memory and Phone SIM Card Reader / Writer / Editor

Mac [10.5 - 10.8] friendly with this update (NOT Tiger 10.4)

Mac [10.8 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

More information regarding this CAC Reader

.

Stanley Global Model SGTiAll USB Smart Card Reader

Mac [10.5 - 10.14] friendly with this update (not needed for 10.15)

More information regarding this CAC Reader

.

.

Belkin Readers

F1DN005U USB Smart Card Reader  PDF

Mac Friendly [10.5.x - 10.15.x, 11.xx] (NOT Tiger (10.4))

This reader will show up as an SCR-3310 USB Smart Card Reader in Windows device manager

It does read the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 & GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC

F1DN008Utt USB

Mac Friendly [10.5.x - 10.15.x, 11.xx] (NOT Tiger (10.4))
NOT compatible with Chromebooks

This reader will show up as Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (WUDF) in Windows device manager

It does read the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 & GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC

Eafer-Tech

Mac friendly

Not Chrome OS friendly

ECR1 USB CAC Smart Card Reader with USB type-A 3.0 to USB Type-C adaptor included, multi-card reader supporting SD/SDXC/MMC/M2/Sim cards / Micro-SD and 3 each USB 2.0 ports.

Search for:  ECR1 DOD Military CAC Smart Card Reader on Amazon 

HID / Omnikey / ActivIdentity Readers

Omnikey 3021 USB Smart Card CAC Reader

Mac friendly after this update download the "OMNIKIEY 5X2X, 3X21 PCSC FOR MAC OS X" Only needed for 10.8 and older, 10.9.x and newer do not need to download driver

Omnikey 3121 USB Smart Card CAC Reader

Mac friendly after this update download the "Omnikey 3x21 PC/SC CCID Driver for Mac OS X" Only needed for 10.8 and older, 10.9.x and newer do not need to download driver

NOTE: This reader would not read my CAC on Mac OS Catalina, it did work with Mac OS Big Sur

HID OMNIKEY Cardman 5321 USB CAC Reader driver

Mac friendly after this update download the "Omnikey 5x2x PC/SC Driver for Mac OS X" Only needed for 10.8 and older, 10.9.x and newer do not need to download driver

Please know:  HID has abandoned support of ActivIdentity Branded Readers

Advanced Card Systems (ACS) Readers

ACR3801 USB Smart Card Reader

Mac friendly after this update

NOT ChromeOS compatible

.

.

ACR38 USB Smart Card Reader

Mac friendly after this update

This reader is no longer sold by the Vendor

ACR39U-N1 Power Zone Pocket Smart Card Reader

NOTE: Will not work with the G+D FIPS 201 SCE 7.0 CAC or GEMALTO DLGX4 128Kv2 CAC.

Information from manufacturer (including drivers)

Mac friendly after this update (except when using Firefox)

ACR39 USB Smart Card Reader (Also known as Patrionics ACR39U-H1 & ACR39U-I1 via AAFES)

Mac friendly after this update

ChromeOS friendly

NOTE:  Would not read G+D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2 or 7.0 CAC on Windows 10

Akasa Reader

AK-CR-03BKV2

Rocketek / Opluz Zoweetek Readers

RT-SCR1 Smart Card Reader

Not Chrome OS friendly

.

.

USB Smart Card Reader 

(Rocketek RT-SCR10)

(Opluz model OPM610)

Does NOT read CAC in Windows 11, 10, 8.1, or Mac

90meter Readers

Hades III

MacOS friendly

ChromeOS friendly

To purchase, call:  714-466-6055  https://90meter.com/product4.shtml

GemPlus / Gemalto Readers

Gemalto IDBridge CT40 Smart Card reader 

I do not have one to test

GemPlus USB-SW Smart Card Reader   32bitDriver   64bitDriver

Mac 10.4 Friendly with driver update (10.5 & above have native support built in). 

A Soldier could not get it to work, so, he purchased an SCR-331

This reader is no longer sold by the Vendor

.

GemPC Twin USB Smart Card Reader drivers

Mac Friendly [10.3 - 10.15] update "may" be needed (only for 10.3-10.4)

Cherry Reader

Cherry ST-1044 USB Smart Card CAC reader driver (alternate driver) (Windows) Instructions

Mac 10.7 & above have native support built in (10.5 & 10.6 need this update)

This reader is no longer sold by the Vendor or Amazon

Zvetco Reader

Zvetco Verifi C500 All Metal SmartCard Reader

Mac Friendly

This reader will show up as an SCR-3310v2 in device manager

.

This reader is no longer sold by the Vendor or Amazon

.

+iD Reader

.

+iD The World's Smallest ID Card Reader

Mac friendly

.

..

.

CP Technologies Reader

ClearLinks CL-UC-200 Smart Card Reader

.

NOTE: You can purchase this reader from a lot of different vendors, but the manufacturer doesn't list this reader on their suite to offer support.  Use at own risk

NOT Mac friendly

SIIG Reader

SIIG JU-CR0012-S1 USB 2.0 Smart Card Reader

Mac friendly only up to 10.15.3 with this update)

.

.

.

DigiScan Reader

DS-C303 USB  Smart Card Reader

Mac friendly

.

This reader is no longer sold by the Vendor or Amazon

.

SAICOO Readers

.

 DoD Military USB CAC Smart Card Reader

Mac friendly

Not Chrome OS friendly

Portable 2-in-1 DOD/CAC SmartCard Reader and TF/Micros SD card reader

Mac friendly

Chrome OS friendly

.

.

DOD Military USB Common Access CAC Smart Card Reader (Vertical Version) 

Mac friendly

Not Chrome OS friendly

.

SMK-LINK Reader

.

VP3805 USB Smart Card Reader

Mac friendly

.

"Antique" Readers

The manufacturers have abandoned support for these readers. 

Use at your own risk!!

.

.

The CAC readers below "might" work with Windows XP but NOT Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, or Mac OS X.  This is partly because they will not read the PIV II CACs (GEMALTO TOP DL GX4 144, GEMALTO DLGX4-A 144, G&D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2, and Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5 Dual) and they [the manufacturers] haven't provided any firmware updates to read the newer CACs.

.

The simplest solution is for you is to get a modern vendor supported CAC reader above this section

.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ActivIdentity Readers

ActivCard / ActivIdentity V3 Smart Card reader

Being told it is Mac friendly although the manufacturer does not show any support for this reader on Macs

ActivCard V2 Smart Card reader driver

NOT Mac friendly (2 different Navy personnel have tweaked the firmware update for an SCR-331 and found an old XP computer to update the firmware from).  They have never sent me a "How - To."  I recommend you find a different reader on this page that is compatible with your OS.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cherry

.

.

Cherry ST-1000U USB Smart Card Reader

NOT Mac friendly

If you have the time, and want to play with updating drivers and such, you download a driver from https://www.hidglobal.com/drivers/14901  The Windows XP (64-bit) drivers supposedly will work with newer versions of Windows including 10.

See more at:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-hardware/cherry-smart-card-reader-stu-1000/975502f7-6b96-4e2f-960a-ea2e05474a34?auth=1

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

DataKey

.

.

DataKey DKR830 Smart Card Reader

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gemalto

GemPC 430 driver support for Windows XP and older

NOT Mac friendly (according to manufacturer website)

.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

Litronic / Netsign

.

Litronic / Netsign 215 USB CAC reader driver (alternate driver)

NOT Mac friendly (according to manufacturer's website)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schlumberger

The Schlumberger CAC reader below is here only for driver support.  I do not recommend you purchase this CAC reader unless you are not planning on using a computer newer than Windows XP.  This means it won't work on Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, or Vista as it is an old reader with NO support from the vendor.

Schlumberger ReflexV2  Driver (installation instructions on CAC drivers page)

Alternate installation file (installation instructions are in the .html file inside the zipped file)

NOT Mac friendly

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

Unotron Reader

Unotron SpillSeal SAC2 - Washable Smart Card Reader (drivers)

I do not have one to test

Manufacturer website shows NO Mac compatibility

.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

Identive (formerly SCM Microsystems)

SDI010 / SDI011 Contactless Smart Card Reader driver

NOTE:  I was not able to figure out how to make the contactless part work, just the regular CAC slot

Mac friendly after this update for Leopard and Snow Leopard (NOT Tiger(10.4.11), or Lion (10.7 and above)

SCR-301 USB CAC reader (driver)

According to the Identive's website driver download page, it will not work on anything newer than XP

NOT Mac friendly

SCR-111 Serial CAC reader

According to the Identive's driver download page, it will not work on anything newer than XP

Also, due to the fact that most computers do not have serial ports or use PS2 keyboards anymore, this reader is useless for modern computers.  The manufacturer has not provided any updates to be able to use with the PIV II CACs or use with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, or Vista. 

NOT Mac friendly 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manhattan Reader

Manhattan 172844 USB CAC reader driver (Windows 7) Instructions

NOT Mac friendly, or Windows 10

SCB Solutions sells CAC readers and has a full time person to provide support to their customers

If you live in the UK, you can purchase CAC readers from SmartCardFocus

Alternate driver download locations:

Identive (formerly SCM Microsystems)

HID Global

OTHER TYPES OF READERS TO CONSIDER

External USB type C CAC reader

Desktop computer reader

USB keyboards with built-in CAC reader

Laptop CAC reader (PCMCIA, ExpressCard, USB)