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(DC) [Import] Digital Certificate (macOS)

(DC) [Import] Digital Certificate (macOS)

(DC) [Import] Digital Certificate (macOS)

Before installing your digital certificate on your Apple iOS device, please consult with the ISO page

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and ensure your device has been secured. After installing a your digital certificate on your device, anyone with physical access to your device will have the ability to decrypt and view sensitive information within email or other applications on the device.  PLEASE ENSURE that you have protected/hardened as it very important to keep sensitive information away from prying eyes.

macOS utilizes a tool called the Keychain Access, that globally manages certificates for the entire operating systems and applications that utilize this feature (AppleMail, Outlook, etc..).  This means that you can import the certificate once, and have it recognized and utilized without any special configuration.   

NOT ALL applications utilize the Keychain Access, please make sure you have access to third-party application documentation to assist you using your digital client certificate with that application.

Last updated and accurate as of Jul 16, 2026 for macOS 26 (Tahoe)
It is best to ensure your computer is updated to the latest version of the macOS.

 

  1. When you have obtained your client certificate, you need to visit the website provided or open the email with the certificate attached. Download the certificate to a folder where you can access it. You may have to enter a password - which should have been provided to you. Please locate that password before your proceed.

  2. Locate the downloaded P12 file.   Double-click the file.

  3. The Keychain Access program will launch.

  4. The following dialog will appear:

  5. Enter the encryption password from the same

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    entry that you downloaded the P12 file from.

  6. The Keychain Access window should appear.

  7. If your name appears below with the "kind" as "certificate", you are almost done.

  8. One last check, click the > next to your name, and the private key should display, showing your email address, and a kind of "private key".

  9. If the certificate and private key show up, you are done, installation was a success!