You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail, and membership starts when ready once you pay the fee

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. You do not need to be retired, and there is no income requirement. The standard membership fee is $16 per year, though AARP periodically offers discounted rates for new members — sometimes as low as $1 for the first year. Once you submit your payment, your membership becomes active right away, and you can start using AARP benefits and discounts the same day.

The fastest way to join is through AARP's website at aarp.org. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 to join by phone, or mail a paper process if you prefer. All three routes take you through the same basic steps: confirming your age, providing contact information, choosing your membership type, and paying the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 per year, though introductory rates are often lower.
  • Online membership at aarp.org is the fastest option and takes about five minutes to complete.
  • Your membership is active when ready after payment, and you can use your membership number right away for discounts and services.
  • AARP offers both individual and household memberships, with household membership covering a spouse or partner at the same address.

Joining online through AARP's website

Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" or "Become a Member" button, usually at the top of the page. Click through to the membership page and you will be asked to enter your birth date to confirm you are 50 or older. AARP will then ask for your name, address, email address, and phone number.

Next, you choose between individual membership and household membership. Individual membership covers one person; household membership covers two people at the same address (typically a spouse or partner) and costs slightly more. After you select your membership type, you will see the current price and any active discounts. Enter your payment information — AARP accepts credit cards and debit cards — and your membership becomes active as soon as the transaction goes through. You will receive a confirmation email with your membership number, which you can use when ready.

Joining by phone

Call AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the same information: confirming your age, collecting your contact details, and taking your payment over the phone. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your membership number during the call and can write it down when ready, or the representative can email it to you.

Phone membership is useful if you have questions about membership types, want to know about current promotions, or prefer not to enter payment information online. Representatives can also help if you are unsure whether you meet the age requirement or have questions about what membership includes.

Joining by mail

AARP still accepts paper applications. You can request an process by calling 1-888-687-2277 or visiting aarp.org and looking for a link to read or request a paper form. Fill out the process with your name, date of birth, address, and contact information, then mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form.

Mail applications take longer — typically two to three weeks from the time AARP receives your form. Your membership will be active once AARP processes your payment, and you will receive your membership number by mail. This route is slower than online or phone membership, but it may be preferable if you do not have internet access or prefer to pay by check.

What you need before you join

You need very little to join AARP. Have your birth date ready to confirm you are 50 or older. You will also need a current mailing address and an email address (though email is optional for mail applications). If you are paying by credit or debit card, have that card available. If you are paying by check or money order, you will need to know the mailing address where to send it.

You do not need to provide income information, employment history, or proof of retirement. AARP does not verify your age through Social Security or any government database — you straightforward confirm your birth date during the membership process. There are no background checks or waiting periods.

Membership types and costs

AARP offers individual and household memberships. Individual membership covers one person and costs $16 per year. Household membership covers two people at the same address and typically costs $27 per year. Both memberships include the same benefits: access to AARP Magazine, discounts on insurance products, pharmacy discounts, travel deals, and access to AARP's online tools and resources.

AARP frequently runs promotions for new members. These may include a first-year rate of $1, $5, or $8, with the standard $16 rate explore to renewals. Check aarp.org or call 1-888-687-2277 to see what rates are currently available. Promotional rates are usually advertised on the membership page and applied automatically when you join during the promotion period.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you will receive a membership card by mail within one to two weeks. Your membership number appears on the card and is also sent to you by email when ready after you join. You can start using your membership number right away — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

You will begin receiving AARP Magazine (published six times per year) and can access AARP's website to explore member discounts, health information, and financial planning tools. AARP also sends regular emails with news, tips, and information about member benefits. You can manage your membership online at aarp.org, update your contact information, renew your membership, or cancel anytime.

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, income, or retirement status does not matter. You can be working full-time, part-time, or not working at all and still join.

Can I cancel my membership if I change my mind?

Yes. You can cancel anytime by calling 1-888-687-2277, visiting aarp.org, or writing to AARP. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, cancellations are effective at the end of your membership year, and no refund is issued.

What if I turn 50 before the end of the year?

You can join AARP as soon as you turn 50. Your membership will be active for a full year from the date you join, regardless of when your birthday falls. If you join late in the year, your membership will carry into the following year.

Can I add my spouse to my membership later?

Yes. If you have an individual membership and want to upgrade to household membership, you can call 1-888-687-2277 or log into your account at aarp.org. AARP will adjust your membership type and charge the difference in cost. Your spouse does not need to be 50 — only the primary member must meet the age requirement.

Is my membership information find when I join online?

AARP uses standard encryption to protect payment and personal information on its website. If you have concerns about online security, you can join by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or by mail instead. All three methods are equally find for your membership information.