You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail — membership costs $16 a year and starts when ready

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. You do not need to retire, work in a particular field, or meet any other condition beyond your age. The membership fee is $16 per year, and you can join through AARP's website, by calling their membership line, or by mailing in a form. Most people complete the process online in about five minutes.

Once you join, your membership is active right away. You will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks, and you can start using your member benefits — discounts at retailers, access to AARP's magazine and website resources, and may be able to access for group insurance products — as soon as your membership is confirmed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 per year with no other requirements.
  • The fastest way to join is online at aarp.org, where you enter your name, address, and date of birth and pay by credit card.
  • Your membership becomes active when ready after you complete the process, even though your physical card arrives later.
  • AARP offers member discounts at hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and retailers, plus access to health information and financial planning resources.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.

Joining online through AARP's website

Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" or "Membership" link, usually at the top of the page. Click it and you will be taken to a form that asks for your name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number. You will also choose a username and password for your AARP online account.

At the end of the form, you will enter payment information. AARP accepts all major credit cards and debit cards. Once you submit the form and your payment goes through, your membership is active. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and AARP will mail your membership card to the address you provided.

If you already have an AARP account from a previous membership or from visiting the website before, you can log in with your existing username and password instead of creating a new one. This makes the process even faster.

Joining by phone or mail

To join by phone, call AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the same information you would enter online — name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number. They will take your payment information over the phone and your membership will be active when ready.

To join by mail, you can request a membership form by calling the same number or visiting aarp.org. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $16 made payable to AARP, and mail it to the address provided on the form. Processing takes longer by mail — typically two to three weeks — so your membership will not be active until AARP receives and processes your form.

What happens after you join

Your membership card will arrive within one to two weeks of joining. The card shows your membership number, which you will need to use discounts at partner retailers and restaurants. You can also look up your membership number in your AARP online account if you need it before the card arrives.

Once you join, you will have access to AARP.org, where you can read articles about health, money, caregiving, and work. You will also be able to set up your online account to receive AARP Magazine, which comes to your home every other month. Some members also receive AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter focused on news and policy.

AARP will begin sending you emails about member benefits, discounts, and events in your area. You can change your email preferences in your online account at any time if you want to receive fewer messages or unsubscribe from certain types of communications.

Member discounts and benefits

AARP members receive discounts at major hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Hilton. Car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer member rates. Restaurants including Denny's, Applebee's, and Red Robin have AARP discounts, though not all locations participate.

Retail discounts vary by store and change throughout the year. Common partners include Best Buy, Amazon, and various pharmacy chains. To use a discount, show your AARP membership card at checkout or enter your membership number online when shopping on a retailer's website.

Beyond shopping discounts, AARP membership includes access to group insurance products for life insurance, auto insurance, and homeowners insurance. These are not included in your membership — you pay separately if you choose to purchase them — but members often receive lower rates than non-members. AARP also offers a Medicare supplement insurance plan comparison tool and information about long-term care insurance.

Renewing your membership each year

Your membership lasts for one year from the date you join. AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail and email about 30 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join.

If you renew online or by phone, your new membership year begins when ready. If you renew by mail, your membership year begins when AARP receives your payment. Many members set up automatic renewal so they do not have to remember to renew each year — you can do this in your online account.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time. Call 1-888-687-2277, log into your online account and request cancellation, or write to AARP at the address on your membership card. If you cancel within 30 days of joining or renewing, AARP will refund your $16 membership fee. After 30 days, no refund is issued.

When you cancel, you lose access to member discounts and your online account. Your membership card becomes invalid. If you rejoin later, you will need to pay the membership fee again and go through the joining process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of whether you work, are retired, or your employment status. You do not need to provide proof of retirement or employment history.

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. You must be 50 years old or older on the date you join. If you are close to turning 50, you can join as soon as your birthday arrives.

What if I lose my membership card?

Call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 and request a replacement card. You can also look up your membership number in your online account and use that number to get discounts while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.

Can I give my AARP membership to someone else?

No. AARP membership is personal and non-transferable. Each person who wants to be an AARP member must join separately and pay their own membership fee. If a spouse or family member wants to join, they can go through the same process you did.

Does AARP membership include Medicare?

No. AARP membership and Medicare are separate. You become may be able to access for Medicare at 65 through Social Security, not through AARP. However, AARP offers information about Medicare and sells Medicare supplement insurance plans to members.