You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail, and membership starts as soon as you pay

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. You do not need to be retired, and there is no income requirement. The standard way to join is through AARP's website, where you can complete a membership form and pay the annual fee in one sitting. You can also call AARP's membership line or mail in a paper form if you prefer not to use the internet.

Membership becomes active once AARP receives your payment. You will get a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks, though you can start using your membership benefits when ready after you join online or by phone — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP, and you can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a paper form.
  • The annual membership fee varies depending on the membership type you choose, and AARP sometimes offers discounted rates for new members.
  • Your membership becomes active as soon as payment is processed, even if your physical card has not yet arrived in the mail.
  • AARP membership includes access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to AARP's magazine and website resources.

Joining online through AARP's website

The fastest way to join is through aarp.org. Go to the membership page, enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address. You will be asked to create a username and password for your AARP account. At the end of the form, you choose your membership type and pay by credit card or debit card.

After you submit payment, you will see a confirmation page with your membership number. Save this number — you can use it right away to access member discounts and log into your AARP account online, even before your card arrives. AARP will send you a welcome email with your membership details and a link to read your digital membership card.

Joining by phone

Call AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership form over the phone and take payment by credit card or debit card. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your membership number at the end of the call and can start using your membership when ready.

Phone membership is useful if you have questions about which membership type to choose or if you run into trouble with the online form. Representatives can also tell you about any current promotions or discounts on membership fees.

Joining by mail

You can request a paper membership form by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by visiting aarp.org and looking for the mailing address on the membership page. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the membership fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes two to three weeks after AARP receives your form.

Mail-in membership is slower than online or phone, but it is an option if you do not have internet access or prefer not to provide payment information online.

Understanding membership types and costs

AARP offers different membership levels. Standard membership is the most common and includes access to discounts, the AARP Magazine, and the AARP website. Some members also choose to add supplemental insurance products, which are billed separately from the base membership fee.

The annual membership fee changes from year to year and AARP sometimes offers promotional rates for new members — for example, a discounted first year followed by the standard rate in year two. Check the membership page at aarp.org to see the current fee and any active promotions before you join.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you can log into your AARP account at aarp.org using the username and password you created. From there, you can view your membership card, explore available discounts, and manage your account settings. You will also start receiving AARP Magazine, which comes to your mailing address roughly every other month.

AARP sends membership renewal notices by mail or email before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join. Most members set up automatic renewal so they do not have to remember to renew each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is based only on age — you must be 50 or older. Your employment status does not matter. Many working people join AARP for the discounts and resources.

Can I join AARP if I am under 50?

Standard AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. However, AARP offers a separate membership for people 18 and up called AARP Membership for Younger Adults, though this is less common and may have different benefits and costs.

What discounts do I get as an AARP member?

AARP members receive discounts on car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. You also get access to group insurance products, travel deals, and prescription drug discounts through AARP's pharmacy partners. The specific discounts available to you depend on where you live and which retailers and services participate in your area.

Can I cancel my membership if I change my mind?

Yes. You can cancel your membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by logging into your account at aarp.org. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, cancellation is effective but no refund is issued.

How do I renew my membership?

AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail or email before your membership expires. You can renew online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Many members set up automatic renewal so their membership renews without having to take action each year.