You become an AARP member by paying the annual membership fee and completing a form — either online, by mail, or by phone

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. There is no process process that approves or denies you based on income, health, or other factors. You pay the membership fee (currently $16 per year for a standard membership), provide your name and contact information, and you are a member. The whole process takes about 10 minutes online.

You do not need to be retired, employed, or a U.S. citizen to join, though you do need a valid mailing address in the United States or a U.S. territory. If you are under 50, you cannot become a member, though AARP does offer some resources for people in their 40s through a separate program.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 per year for the standard option.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a form to AARP's membership office.
  • AARP membership includes a magazine, access to discounts on insurance and travel, and member-only content on their website.
  • You will receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks of joining, which you can use at participating retailers and service providers.
  • AARP also offers a premium membership tier at a higher cost that includes additional benefits like roadside information and identity theft protection.

Joining online is the fastest route

Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" or "Membership" link, usually at the top of the page. You will enter your birth date to confirm you are 50 or older, then create an account with your email address and a password. After that, you provide your name, mailing address, and phone number.

You then choose your membership tier. The standard membership is $16 per year. AARP also offers a premium membership (called AARP Premium) at a higher annual cost, which includes roadside information, identity theft protection, and a few other add-ons. Read the comparison on their site to decide which fits you.

Next, you enter payment information — a credit card, debit card, or bank account. AARP will charge you when ready. You will receive a confirmation email right away, and your membership card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. You can start using your membership number (which appears in the confirmation email) at participating retailers before the card arrives.

Joining by phone or mail if you prefer not to go online

Call AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the same questions: your birth date, name, address, and phone number. They will also ask which membership tier you want and take your payment information over the phone. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to mail in a form, you can request one by calling the same number or by visiting aarp.org and looking for a "mail-in form" or "membership form" link. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the membership fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing by mail takes longer — usually three to four weeks from the time AARP receives it.

What you get as a member

Your membership includes AARP Magazine, which arrives six times a year and covers health, money, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older. You also get access to AARP.org, where members can read articles, watch videos, and use planning tools that are not available to non-members.

AARP negotiates discounts with retailers, hotels, car rental companies, and insurance providers. You can find these discounts on their website or by showing your membership card at participating locations. Common discounts include reduced rates on car rentals, hotel stays, and dining. The discounts vary by location and business, so check the AARP website to see what is available near you.

Standard membership also includes access to AARP's community forums, where members discuss health, finances, and local issues. Premium membership adds roadside information (similar to AAA), identity theft protection, and a few other services.

Renewing your membership each year

AARP will send you a renewal notice about a month 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 — you can do this when you join or at any time afterward on aarp.org.

If your membership lapses because you did not renew, you can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership fee. There is no penalty or waiting period.

If you are not yet 50

AARP does not offer membership to people under 50, but they do publish content aimed at people in their 40s through a section of their website. You can also sign up for AARP's email newsletter to receive articles about planning for retirement and health topics relevant to your age group.

Some employers offer group AARP memberships at a discount, so if you are close to 50, ask your human resources department whether your company participates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my AARP membership and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by logging into your account on aarp.org. 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 expire and not renew.

Do I have to provide my Social Security number to join AARP?

No. AARP asks for your name, address, phone number, and birth date, but not your Social Security number. They may ask for it later if you purchase certain insurance products through them, but it is not required to join.

What if I move after I join?

Update your address on aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Your membership stays active, and AARP will mail your magazine and renewal notices to your new address.

Can someone else use my AARP membership card?

AARP memberships are for individual use only. The discounts are tied to your membership number, and retailers may ask for an ID to verify the card belongs to you. If someone in your household is also 50 or older, they can join separately.