It’s official: Get free COVID test kits at COVIDtests.gov

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. Or order your kits by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Your kits will be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service within 7 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. 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:

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If you spot a scammer offering COVID test kits, tell the FTC about it right away at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Or, file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general at consumerresources.org, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General. Your reports can make a difference by helping us investigate, bring law enforcement cases, and alert people about what frauds to be on the lookout for so they can protect themselves, their friends, and family.

Note: This blog, originally posted on January 19, 2022, has been updated to include the toll-free telephone numbers to order test kits.

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evergreen3 January 19, 2022

In order to travel overseas, a PCR test is required. Is it possible to get those test kits, instead of the antigen test?

Usps January 21, 2022

In reply to In order to travel overseas, by evergreen3

Can't find my address. Mike W January 19, 2022

Cant order the test kits, says they have already been ordered for this address. There are 20 different number units here. Something isnt working right, should have expected that.

FTC Staff January 20, 2022

In reply to Cant order the test kits, by Mike W

The order form has a space for you to enter your Apartment or Suite number.

Deb January 20, 2022

In reply to The order form has a space by FTC Staff

Using the space for apt etc still doesn’t work. Les January 21, 2022 Try calling to order your kit - "Or order your kits by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)." Diann January 23, 2022 Your site is not working well. Judion't use y… January 21, 2022

In reply to Cant order the test kits, by Mike W

I have the same problem. If you live in a multi-unit house the site doesn't work. Sacralifornia January 21, 2022

In reply to I have the same problem. If by Judion't use y…

Did you try the verify address link they instruct you to use in this situation? Kathie Merrill January 19, 2022

I tried to order the tests, but it came back and said that someone had already used my address to order the tests. I am the only adult at this address. How can I get tests when I can't order them because it states I already have, or is this a BIG BIG bug in your ordering process?

Just4u January 24, 2022

In reply to I tried to order the tests, by Kathie Merrill

They will come to your address then. Mar January 19, 2022 Do we fill out form every month or do we automatically get 4 kits monthly? Just4u January 24, 2022 It’s a one time thing. 4 test per address. ConcernedCitizen January 20, 2022

I started to order these tests, but then I read the Privacy Act Statement below and became confused and concerned. Why do I need to agree to a laundry list of government lingo that I don’t understand? These are NOT FREE if you have to relinquish your rights to this many government agencies for the rest of your life? Please explain how accepting a FREE PRODUCT can be used to provide information “to agencies and entities to facilitate or resolve financial transactions. This seems extremely obscure. special.usps.com • Privacy Act Statement Your information will be used to provide COVID-19 Testing Kits to the address you provided, and to provide company and product fulfillment information about that testing kit to a federal executive agency. Collection is authorized by 39 U.S.C. 401, 403, 404, and 411. Supplying your information is voluntary, but if not provided, we may not be able to fulfill your request for a COVID-19 Testing Kit. We do not disclose your information to third parties without your consent, except to act on your behalf or request, or as legally required. This includes the following limited circumstances: to a congressional office on your behalf; to agencies and entities to facilitate or resolve financial transactions; to a U.S. Postal Service auditor; for law enforcement purposes, to labor organizations as required by applicable law; incident to legal proceedings involving the Postal Service; to government agencies in connection with decisions as necessary; to agents or contractors when necessary to fulfill a business function or provide products and services to customers; for customer service purposes; and to other federal executive agencies pursuant to 39 U.S.C § 411. For more information regarding our privacy policies visit www.usps.com/privacypolicy.

Michael January 21, 2022

I'm glad that I read this, I'm not going to trust anybody next the right people that send me this ("Covidtest Kits") out, next the federal government. These Scammers should be cought, and locked up for good. That's the way I've always felt about steeling from other people. THANK YOU AGAIN!