Free COVID test kits available

January 19, 2022

By Colleen Tressler
Division of Consumer and Business Education
Federal Trade Commission

There’s a new federal resource to get free FDA-authorized coronavirus test kits. At COVIDtests.gov, you’ll find information about testing and a link to the U.S. Postal Service – special.usps.com/testkits – where you can order up to four rapid tests to be sent to your home address. Your kits will be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service within seven to 12 days. The tests are completely free. There are no shipping costs, and you don’t have to give a credit card or bank account number. You only need to give a name and address.

You also can order for other people who may not have online access. Once you place an order, you’ll get an order confirmation number. If you give your email address, you’ll also get an order confirmation email and delivery updates. Anyone who asks for more information than that is a scammer. So, remember:
  • Go to COVIDtests.gov to order your free COVID test kits from the federal government. If you click to order, you’ll be redirected to special.usps.com/testkits. Or, if you follow a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser’s address bar.
  • No one will call, text, or email you from the federal government to ask for your information to “help” you order free kits. Only a scammer will contact you, asking for information like your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Do not respond. Instead, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Right now, there’s no phone number to call to order your tests. That might change soon, and we’ll update you as soon as it’s live. Until then, the only way to order is online.

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