Where Are CAC Certificates Stored on Mac?

CAC certificate storage on Mac has gotten complicated with all the keychains, middleware locations, and card-based versus installed certificates flying around. As someone who has troubleshot CAC configurations on Macs, I learned everything there is to know about where certificates live. Today, I will share it all with you.

Card vs Computer

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Your personal certificates stay on the CAC itself. Root and intermediate certificates get installed in macOS Keychain.

Keychain Locations

That’s what makes understanding keychains important—Keychain Access shows certificates in Login, System, and System Roots keychains. DoD certificates typically install to System keychain.

Viewing Your Certificates

Open Keychain Access, select Certificates category. You’ll see installed trust anchors and any personal certificates from your CAC when inserted.

Troubleshooting Missing Certificates

If expected certificates don’t appear, DoD certificates may not be installed. Your agency IT can provide the certificate bundle.