You must be 50 or older to join AARP
AARP membership begins at age 50. You do not have to wait until you turn 65 or become may be able to access for Medicare. The organization opens membership to anyone who reaches 50, regardless of employment status, health, or retirement plans.
Your 50th birthday is the earliest point you can join. There is no upper age limit — members range from 50 into their 100s. Once you join, your membership continues as long as you pay the annual fee and choose to remain a member.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and older, not just people who are retired or on Medicare.
- The annual membership fee is currently $16 per year, though this amount can change.
- You can join online, by phone, or by mail using a paper form.
- Membership benefits include discounts on travel, dining, insurance products, and access to AARP's health and financial information resources.
- Joining before you turn 65 gives you time to explore discounts and resources before Medicare enrollment.
Why people join before age 65
Many people join AARP in their 50s, years before Medicare may be able to access. At that stage, membership often appeals to people who are still working but want access to discounts on travel, car rentals, hotels, and dining. AARP also offers information about long-term care planning, caregiving, and financial decisions that affect people in their 50s and 60s.
Joining earlier also means you have time to learn which AARP benefits matter to you before you turn 65 and face Medicare decisions. Some members use their early years of membership to read AARP's guides on health topics, retirement planning, and caregiving — resources that are free to members.
How to join AARP
You can join online at aarp.org, by calling AARP's membership line, or by mailing in a paper process. The online route is fastest — you provide your name, date of birth, address, and payment information, and membership typically begins within days.
When you join, you will need to provide proof that you are 50 or older. A driver's license, passport, or birth certificate works. If you join online, you enter your date of birth during signup. If you mail in an process, you may need to include a copy of a document showing your age, depending on AARP's current process — check their website or call to confirm what they need.
The annual membership fee is $16 as of 2024, though AARP can adjust this amount. Some people receive discounted or free memberships through employers or organizations, so it is worth asking if your workplace offers a group rate.
What membership includes
AARP membership gives you access to discounts with hundreds of retailers and service providers. Common discounts include reduced rates on hotels, car rentals, dining, and travel packages. Many pharmacies and vision care providers offer member discounts as well.
You also receive AARP Magazine and access to AARP.org, where members can read articles about health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics. Members can join local AARP chapters in their community, which often host events, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops.
Some members use AARP's insurance products — the organization offers supplemental health insurance, life insurance, and auto and home insurance through partner companies. These are optional; membership does not require you to purchase any insurance.
Membership after you turn 65
Your AARP membership continues unchanged after you turn 65 and become may be able to access for Medicare. The annual fee stays the same, and your benefits do not shift. Some people find that certain discounts become more relevant after 65 — for example, discounts on hearing aids, mobility aids, and prescription medications — while others remain useful throughout retirement.
AARP also offers resources specifically about Medicare, including guides to enrollment, coverage options, and how to avoid common mistakes. These resources are available to all members, not just those over 65.
Can you join if you are not yet 50
AARP does not offer standard membership to people under 50. However, some employers and organizations have group memberships that may have different rules — it is worth asking your employer or union if they offer AARP benefits.
If you are close to 50, you can wait a few months and join when you turn 50. There is no penalty for joining later, and you do not lose anything by waiting. If you want AARP resources before you are may be able to access to join, some of AARP's articles and guides are available free on their website without a membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be retired to join AARP?
No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are still working full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your ability to join.
Can I cancel my AARP membership anytime?
Yes. You can cancel at any time by contacting AARP directly. There is no lock-in period or penalty for canceling. If you cancel partway through the year, AARP's refund policy depends on how long you have been a member — contact them for details on your specific situation.
What if I turn 50 but am not sure I want to join yet?
You can wait. There is no important date to join, and membership is available whenever you decide you want it. Some people join right at 50, while others wait until they are 55 or 60. You can always join later without any disadvantage.
Does AARP membership help with Medicare enrollment?
AARP provides free information and guides about Medicare options, but membership does not enroll you in Medicare or change your enrollment process. You still enroll through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office. AARP's resources help you understand your choices before you enroll.
Is the $16 annual fee the only cost?
The annual membership fee is $16, but any discounts or insurance products you choose to use may have their own costs. Membership itself does not require you to purchase anything beyond the annual fee. Some discounts are free to use, while others reduce the price of something you would buy anyway.