The main AARP phone number and what it handles

AARP's general customer service line is 1-888-687-2277. This number connects you to representatives who handle membership questions, billing issues, address changes, and general inquiries. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

When you call, have your AARP membership number ready if you have one—it speeds up the process. The system will ask you to select from a menu of options. If you're calling about a specific AARP product or service (insurance, discounts, publications), the menu will route you to the right department.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter holds than calling on Monday or Friday afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP's main phone number is 1-888-687-2277, open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern.
  • Different AARP services have separate phone lines—insurance products, tax help, and the magazine each have their own numbers.
  • You can also reach AARP through their website contact form, by mail, or through your state's AARP office for local issues.
  • Having your membership number ready before you call will reduce your wait time.
  • If you cannot reach someone by phone, the AARP website has live chat support during business hours.

Phone numbers for specific AARP services

AARP offers many products and services, and some have dedicated phone lines. AARP Insurance (auto, home, and life insurance products) has its own customer service number, which you can find on your insurance documents or by calling the main line and selecting the insurance option. AARP Tax-Aide, the free tax preparation service for people 60 and older, has a separate line that opens during tax season (usually February through April).

The AARP Magazine subscription line handles delivery problems, address changes for your magazine, and back-issue requests. If you're having trouble with a specific AARP benefit or discount (like pharmacy discounts or travel deals), the main number can transfer you to the right team.

Your state's AARP office also has its own contact information. If you need help with a local issue—a state-specific program, a community event, or advocacy matter—calling your state office may get you faster results than the national line.

Reaching AARP online and by mail

AARP's website (aarp.org) has a contact form where you can submit questions and receive a response within one to two business days. The website also offers live chat support during business hours—look for the chat button in the lower right corner of the page. This option works well if you have a quick question or prefer not to call.

You can also mail AARP at their national office: AARP, 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to reach them and another one to two weeks for a response, so this method is best for non-urgent matters.

For membership-related mail, AARP includes a return envelope with your membership materials. Using that envelope ensures your letter reaches the right department faster than sending to the main address.

What to have ready before you call

Before you dial, gather a few pieces of information. Your AARP membership number is the most important—it appears on your membership card and on any mail from AARP. If you don't have your number, have your date of birth and the phone number or email address associated with your account ready instead.

If you're calling about a specific issue—a billing problem, a missing magazine, an insurance claim—have the relevant documents in front of you. For insurance matters, have your policy number. For magazine issues, have the mailing label from a recent issue. For billing questions, have your most recent statement.

Write down what you need to ask before you call. This helps you stay focused during the call and reduces the chance you'll forget something important while on hold.

When to call versus when to use other methods

Call AARP's phone line when you need an when ready answer or when your issue is complex and requires back-and-forth conversation. Phone is also best if you're having trouble navigating the website or if you need someone to walk you through a process step by step.

Use the online contact form or live chat for straightforward questions that don't need a quick response—address changes, general information requests, or questions about membership benefits. Email and chat also create a written record of your conversation, which can be useful if you need to reference what was discussed later.

Use mail only for non-urgent matters or when you need to send documents that are hard to photograph or scan. If you're sending original documents (like a claim form or proof of age), mail is safer than email.

Troubleshooting if you cannot reach AARP

If you call and get a busy signal or very long wait times, try calling at a different time. Early morning (8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Eastern) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits. Avoid calling on Monday morning or Friday afternoon.

If the phone menu doesn't seem to have an option for your issue, select the closest match or choose "other" and explain your situation to the representative. They can transfer you to the right department or take a message for someone to call you back.

If you've been on hold for more than 20 minutes, you can ask the representative if you can request a callback instead of waiting. Some departments offer this option, and you'll receive a call back within a few hours rather than waiting on the line.

State-specific AARP offices

AARP has an office in every state, and these offices handle state-level programs, local events, and state advocacy work. If your issue relates to a state program (like a state health insurance counseling program or a state-specific discount), contacting your state office may be faster than the national line.

To find your state office's phone number and address, go to aarp.org and search for "AARP [your state name]" or look for the "State Offices" section. Each state office has its own hours, which may differ from the national line's hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AARP's phone number?

AARP's main phone number is 1-888-687-2277. It is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Different services (insurance, tax help, the magazine) may have separate numbers, which you can reach by selecting options from the phone menu.

How long does it take to reach someone at AARP?

Wait times vary. Calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait—often 5 to 15 minutes. Calling on Monday morning or Friday afternoon can mean 30 minutes or longer. If the wait is very long, you can ask for a callback instead of holding.

Can I reach AARP without calling?

Yes. You can use the contact form on aarp.org, chat with a representative during business hours, or mail AARP at 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049. Online methods typically get a response within one to two business days, while mail takes one to two weeks.

What if I do not have my AARP membership number?

Have your date of birth and the phone number or email address linked to your account ready instead. The representative can look up your membership using that information. If you're not sure what phone number or email you used, try the one you use most often.

Is there a number for AARP insurance claims?

Insurance claims are handled through your specific insurance policy, not through the main AARP number. Your policy documents include a claims phone number. If you cannot find it, call the main AARP number and select the insurance option, and they can provide the claims number for your specific policy.