You must be 50 or older to become an AARP member

AARP membership begins at age 50. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 60, 80, or any age after that. You do not have to be retired to join, and you do not have to wait until you reach a certain age to start looking at what AARP offers. Many people join in their late 40s by waiting a few months, or join right at 50 to begin using the discounts and resources when ready.

The 50-year threshold is set by AARP's bylaws and does not change by state or circumstance. If you are 49, you cannot join yet. If you are 50, you can join the same day you turn 50.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old; there is no maximum age.
  • You do not need to be retired or have any particular income or employment status to join.
  • Membership is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet the age requirement.
  • You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership typically begins when ready or within a few business days.
  • Annual membership dues are required; the cost varies depending on the membership tier you choose.

How to join once you reach 50

You can join AARP through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online process takes about 10 minutes and requires basic information: your name, date of birth, address, and email. You will need to create a username and password to access your account and member benefits online.

When you join by phone, an AARP representative walks you through the same information and can answer questions about membership tiers and what discounts explore to your situation. The phone number is listed on AARP's main website. Joining by mail involves requesting a form, completing it, and mailing it back with payment.

Most people see their membership set up within a few business days of joining online or by phone. You receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. Until the physical card arrives, you can use your membership number (provided when ready after joining) to access discounts at many retailers and service providers.

What membership includes at different price points

AARP offers more than one membership level. The standard membership includes access to the AARP website, magazine, discounts at retailers and restaurants, and information about health, caregiving, and financial topics. A higher tier adds additional benefits such as access to certain insurance products, travel deals, and member-only events.

The cost of membership varies by tier and changes periodically. You can see current pricing on AARP's website when you begin the joining process. Many people find that a single discount — on car insurance, for instance, or a pharmacy chain they use regularly — pays back the annual membership cost within a few months.

AARP also runs periodic promotions for new members, such as a reduced first-year rate or a gift card offer. These deals change throughout the year, so the cost you pay to join in January may differ from the cost in June.

Membership for people under 50

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP directly. However, some employers and organizations offer group memberships or discounts to their employees or members, and the age requirement may be waived in those cases. Check with your employer's benefits office or your union, professional association, or alumni group to see whether they have a partnership with AARP.

Another option is to wait. If you are 49, you will be 50 within a year, and you can join then. Some people in their late 40s choose to join a few months before they turn 50 to start using member discounts right away, but this is not possible — you must be 50 on the day you join.

Renewing your membership each year

AARP membership is annual. You will receive a renewal notice by mail and email before your membership expires, usually 30 to 60 days in advance. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join.

If you do not renew by the expiration date, your membership ends and you lose access to member-only discounts and content. You can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership fee, and your membership will restart when ready. There is no penalty for letting your membership lapse and rejoining later.

Who can and cannot join

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to join AARP. You must also be at least 50 years old. Beyond that, there are no restrictions based on income, employment status, health, or any other factor. Retired people join, working people join, people on fixed incomes join, and people with substantial savings join.

AARP does not deny membership to anyone who meets the age and residency requirements. If your process is rejected, it is usually because of a technical error in the information you provided — such as a mismatched name or address — rather than a judgment about your may be able to access. AARP's customer service can help you troubleshoot if your process does not go through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. You must be 50 years old on the day you join. You cannot join at 49 and have your membership begin on your 50th birthday. However, you can join on the day you turn 50.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your ability to join or the benefits you receive.

What happens to my membership if I move to another country?

AARP membership is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If you move outside the United States permanently, you may no longer be may be able to access to maintain your membership. Contact AARP directly to discuss your situation if you are planning an international move.

Can someone else pay for my AARP membership as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase an AARP membership for someone else as a gift. The recipient must be 50 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Gift memberships are available through AARP's website and typically come with a gift notification so the recipient knows who gave them the membership.

Is there a senior discount on AARP membership for people over a certain age?

AARP does not offer age-based discounts on membership itself. However, the organization periodically runs promotions for new members and renewal discounts that explore to anyone joining or renewing, regardless of how old they are.