Update: In 2025 the federal government ended its free Covid test program described below.
Starting this Fall, every household can get four more Covid tests free from the federal government.
Every household can order a new set of four tests starting Sept. 26, 2024, the CDC announced. All you need is your name and residential address. There is no charge for the tests or for shipping. Each order contains 4 free Covid tests.
The U.S. Postal Service is handing distribution of the free COVID tests. To place an online order visit:
People who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages. For more information, visit: https://covidtests.gov/
Below are videos from the CDC about the test and how to read it. For more details visit:
CDC Guidance on Home COVID tests
Where To Purchase COVID Test Kits
The COVID test kits from the federal government are free, including shipping, but you can also get inexpensive tests from major retailers.
If you want something quickly, you should check Walmart, Walgreens, CVS or Amazon. They all usually carry kits priced at around $15. Most test kits come with two tests. Here are some places to look:
- For quickest availability, you can find the BinaxNOW test in stock at most Walmart locations:
- Another option is Amazon, which has similar Covid test kits; here is Amazon’s bestselling Covid test kit:
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KZ6TBNY/
- Find more test kits at: Covid Test Kits at Amazon
- Another place to look is at a stock tracker such as Now In Stock which can help you find stores that have the tests in stock.
Pay close attention to the delivery date or pickup date before you place your order. Delivery times from Amazon can range from 1 to 15 days, depending on your location and when you order.
Walmart offers same or next-day curbside pickup at some locations, or free delivery if you order two kits (Walmart home delivery is free when your order exceeds $35). To check on Walmart’s Covid test availability near you:
- Visit https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/142089281
- Look for a “Pickup available” location and add the product to your cart.
- If you see “Pickup not available” then click on “Check on availability nearby” as shown below.
Other Options For Home Test Kit
Many big retailers and drug stores also offer Covid test kits in stores. To check for availability near you, Google:
covid home test kit near me
Walmart and Target are good for telling you if the kit is available or out of stock. However, most other store websites will say “Visit your store to see if it’s available,” which is not very helpful.
How to Perform and Read The Test
Covid at-home test kits require you to swab both nostrils and put the swab into the test kit. In 15 minutes you view the test result. Below is a video from Abbott Labs on how to use their BinaxNOW kit that is available from Walmart.
More Free Covid Test Kits
Many government-sponsored organizations also provide a free covid test for pickup. Search for one near you at:
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/home-covid-19-tests
About the Free Covid Tests
The free tests available from the federal government:
- Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
- Can be taken anywhere
- Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
- Work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms
- Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines
- Are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests.
For more details, visit https://www.covidtests.gov/