You must be 50 or older to join AARP

AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and up. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 65, 80, or any age after that. You do not need to be retired, and you do not need to meet any income requirement. The only hard rule is that you turn 50 during the year you join, or you are already 50 or older.

If you are under 50, AARP will not process your membership. Some people try to join early thinking they will "lock in" a rate or get a head start on benefits, but AARP enforces the age rule at signup. You will need to wait until the year you turn 50 to join.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership requires you to be 50 years old or older at the time you join, with no upper age limit.
  • You do not need to be retired, disabled, or meet any income threshold to become a member.
  • Membership costs about $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that, though promotional rates are often available.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership typically begins within a few days of approval.
  • AARP membership gives you access to discounts, educational resources, and advocacy information, but does not automatically enroll you in any government programs.

How to join AARP when you turn 50

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a paper process. Online is the fastest route — you fill out your name, date of birth, address, and email, pay the membership fee, and your account is usually active within a few business days.

When you join, AARP will ask for your date of birth to confirm you meet the age requirement. They will also ask whether you want to receive communications by email or mail. You do not need to provide Social Security number, Medicare information, or proof of retirement. AARP does not verify your age against government records — they rely on what you enter at signup.

If you join by phone, a representative can answer questions about membership benefits and discounts before you commit. If you prefer paper, you can request an process by calling the same number or visiting aarp.org/join.

What membership costs and what it includes

AARP membership costs approximately $16 for your first year and $24 per year after that. AARP frequently runs promotional offers — new members often see rates of $8 or $12 for the first year, especially if you join through a direct mail offer or during a seasonal promotion. These promotional rates are real, not a trick; you pay the advertised amount and then the standard renewal rate applies the following year.

Your membership includes access to AARP's website, which has articles about Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, and health topics. You also get discounts at certain hotels, rental car companies, and restaurants, though the discount amounts vary and not all locations participate. AARP also publishes a monthly magazine sent to your home address.

Membership does not include health insurance, prescription drug coverage, or automatic enrollment in any government program. AARP does sell supplemental insurance products (like Medigap and long-term care insurance) through partner companies, but buying those is separate from membership and optional.

AARP membership versus AARP insurance products

Many people confuse AARP membership with AARP insurance. They are different things. Membership is the $16-per-year subscription that gives you access to discounts and information. Insurance products — like AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance or AARP Long-Term Care Insurance — are sold separately by insurance companies that use the AARP name under license.

You do not need to be an AARP member to buy AARP-branded insurance, and being a member does not automatically enroll you in any insurance. If you see an AARP insurance advertisement and want to learn more, you can contact that specific insurance company directly. Your AARP membership card does not work as proof of coverage for any insurance product.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is approved, you will receive a membership card in the mail within 1 to 2 weeks. You can use your membership number (printed on the card and also sent to your email) to access AARP.org and to show at participating retailers for discounts. Your membership is active for 12 months from the date you join, and AARP will send you a renewal notice about 30 days before it expires.

You can cancel your membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, but you can let your membership lapse by straightforward not renewing when the year is up.

Common reasons people join AARP before Medicare age

Some people join AARP at 50 or 55, years before they turn 65 and become may be able to access for Medicare. They join for the magazine, the discounts on travel and dining, or to read AARP's articles about retirement planning and Social Security. Others join because they received a promotional offer in the mail and wanted to take advantage of a low introductory rate.

If you are under 65 and not yet on Medicare, AARP membership still gives you access to their website and discounts, but many of AARP's most detailed resources focus on Medicare, Social Security, and issues that affect people 65 and older. You may find the membership more useful once you approach Medicare age, but there is no penalty for joining early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP if I am 49 and will turn 50 next month?

No. AARP requires you to be 50 years old at the time you join. You will need to wait until the month you turn 50 to submit your membership process. Once you turn 50, you can join when ready — there is no waiting period after your birthday.

Does AARP membership mean I am enrolled in Medicare?

No. AARP membership and Medicare enrollment are completely separate. Joining AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, and you do not need to be on Medicare to be an AARP member. You must enroll in Medicare yourself through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office when you turn 65.

What if I joined AARP but I am actually under 50?

If you provided false information about your age when you joined, AARP can cancel your membership and may not refund your fee. If you made an honest mistake, contact AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277 to explain. They handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to be retired to join AARP?

No. You can be working full-time, part-time, or not working at all. AARP does not ask about your employment status or income. The only requirement is that you are 50 or older.

Can I get AARP membership for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a gift membership for someone who is 50 or older by going to aarp.org/gift or calling 1-888-687-2277. The recipient will receive their membership card and can set up their online account once it arrives. Gift memberships are typically valid for 12 months from the purchase date.