OpenSC/OpenSC
FreeOpen source smart card tools and middleware. PKCS#11/MiniDriver
FreeFree tier
About OpenSC/OpenSC
OpenSC is an open source smart card middleware and toolset that provides PKCS#11, MiniDriver, and other cryptographic interfaces for smart cards. It supports a wide range of card types including CAC, PIV, OpenPGP applet, GIDS, IsoApplet, OsEID, SmartCard-HSM, Pico HSM, and ePass2003. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other Unix-like systems, OpenSC offers command-line tools for managing and using smart cards. The project is licensed under LGPL-2.1 and has an active community with frequent releases.
Key Features
PKCS#11 support
MiniDriver support
Supports multiple smart card types (CAC, PIV, OpenPGP applet, GIDS, IsoApplet, OsEID, SmartCard-HSM, Pico HSM, ePass2003)
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix)
Command-line tools for card management
Open source (LGPL-2.1 license)
Active development with nightly builds and 40+ releases
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source with permissive LGPL-2.1 license
- Supports a wide variety of smart cards and form factors
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix)
- Active community and frequent stable releases
- Includes comprehensive CLI tools and wiki documentation
Cons
- Command-line interface only (no graphical UI)
- Setup and configuration can be complex for non-technical users
Best For
Smart card authentication and single sign-onDigital signatures and encryptionPhysical access control with PIV/CAC cardsSecure token management for OpenPGP keysHardware security module (HSM) integration with SmartCard-HSM, Pico HSM
FAQ
How do I get started with OpenSC?
The OpenSC Wiki provides Quick Start guides for Windows, macOS, and Unix flavors, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. Manual pages for command-line tools and configuration files are available online.