Free, confidential COVID-19 testing is available to every Californian that needs it. Get vaccinated, avoid crowds, and stay out of poorly ventilated indoor spaces to minimize the need for testing.
On this page:
Types of tests
Two types of COVID-19 tests are available: Diagnostic tests and antibody tests.
A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection. Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests: viral PCR tests that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Testing sites listed on this page use viral PCR tests.
Antigen tests usually provide results faster than viral PCR tests at lower cost, but have a higher chance of missing an active infection. Antigen tests are used on people suspected of having COVID-19 within 5-12 days of symptoms appearing.
What is an antibody test? Where can I get an antibody test?
Antibody tests detect past infections. They can determine if you are a good candidate to donate blood plasma. It can take 1-3 weeks after infection for your body to make antibodies.
You can find locations for both viral PCR and antibody tests on the COVID-19 Testing Sites in California map.
Cost for testing
There are no out-of-pocket costs for medically-necessary testing. If you have medical insurance, OptumServe will bill your insurance company. If you’re uninsured, the government pays for your test.
Who can get tested
California’s testing capacity and turnaround time have improved. As a result, until further notice, all necessary testing requests will have equal priority.
When demand for tests exceeds capacity, testing will be prioritized in accordance with CDPH COVID-19 Testing Guidance.
The COVID-19 Testing Task Force is working to ensure that Californians have access to tests, and laboratories have capacity to meet demand.
How to get tested
California has partnered with OptumServe to provide free, confidential testing statewide. Tests are available for everyone, including underserved communities and individuals who are at high risk.
Testing with OptumServe
Tests are by appointment only. Find a location near you and make an appointment at:
Register to be tested for COVID-19
If you do not have internet access, call 1-888-634-1123.
OptumServe community testing sites serve all individuals who qualify for a test. This includes uninsured, underinsured, undocumented and homeless individuals. You do not need a driver’s license to get this test.
Questions and answers
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued several Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for over-the-counter (OTC) fully at-home diagnostic tests for COVID-19. The tests are authorized for individuals with or without symptoms. You can buy these tests in drug stores and similar retailers.
Individuals with positive results should:
Individuals who test negative and experience COVID-like symptoms should follow up with their health care provider. It is possible to get a negative test result and still be infected with coronavirus.
For more information, see the following FDA news releases:
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for an at-home COVID-19 diagnostic self-test. The authorization is for home use with self-collected nasal swab samples in individuals aged 14 and older. This test is currently authorized for prescription use only.
The test works by swirling the self-collected sample swab in a vial that is then placed in the test unit. In 30 minutes or less, the results can be read directly from the test unit’s light-up display.
Individuals with positive results should:
Individuals who test negative and experience COVID-like symptoms should follow up with their health care provider. It is possible to get a negative test result and still be infected with coronavirus.
For more information, see the FDA news release.
Turnaround time for coronavirus test results is usually less than two days. Approximately two-thirds are returned within a day and more than 85% are available within two days.
This turnaround time includes shipping time. So for labs that process home testing kits, turnaround time may depend on when an individual mails back their kit.
If you haven’t received your test results and it’s been several days, contact your healthcare provider, testing service, or local health department.
Read more at California’s COVID-19 Testing Task Force.
You should get tested if you have:
- Symptoms of COVID-19.
- Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
- Fully vaccinated people with no COVID-19 symptoms do not need to be tested following an exposure to someone with COVID-19.
- People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure, as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
- Took part in activities when you are not fully vaccinated that put you at higher risk for COVID-19, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.
- Been asked or referred to get tested by your employer, healthcare provider, or local health jurisdiction.
- To follow School Testing Cadence.
The following are accepted:
- Printed document from your test provider or laboratory
- An email or text message displayed on your phone from your test provider or laboratory
The information provided should include name of person tested, type of test performed, and date of negative test result. For PCR, date of negative result must be within prior 72 hours; for antigen, date of negative result must be within prior 24 hours.
If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after 10 days have passed since your test.
The CDC has detailed recommendations for people who test positive but have no symptoms.
You should self-isolate from others in your household who have not tested positive. Sleep and stay in a separate room from them, and use a separate bathroom, if possible. Multiple infected people in the same household can use the same room for isolation.
Members of your household should get tested right away. They should quarantine for at least 14 days:
- Close contacts who have never had any symptoms may discontinue quarantine after Day 10 from the date of last exposure without testing.
- If you are released from quarantine before Day 14 after exposure, you must:
- Monitor yourself daily for COVID-19 symptoms through Day 14 and if symptoms occur, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health department or healthcare provider to get tested.
- Wear a mask or facial covering around others, continue to wash your hands frequently, and stay at least 6 feet from others through Day 14.
You do not have to quarantine if:
- You recovered from COVID-19 within the past 3 months and have no new symptoms.
- You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show no symptoms.
Stay informed