You must be 50 or older to join AARP

AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 60, 80, or any age after that. Once you turn 50, you become may be able to access to pay the membership fee and start receiving AARP benefits and publications.

If you are younger than 50, you cannot hold an AARP membership yourself. Some people under 50 ask whether they can join through a spouse or family member's account, but AARP memberships are individual — each person needs their own membership and must meet the age requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, with no maximum age limit.
  • You cannot join AARP before age 50, even if a family member is already a member.
  • The membership fee is the same whether you join at 50 or at 75.
  • You can sign up online, by mail, or by phone once you reach your 50th birthday.
  • Some AARP discounts and resources are available to people under 50 without membership.

How to join once you turn 50

When you reach 50, you can join AARP through their website at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing in an process. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. AARP will ask for payment of the annual membership fee at that time.

Your membership becomes active once AARP processes your payment. You will receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. Your membership card number is what you use to access discounts at participating retailers, hotels, and restaurants.

What you get with AARP membership

AARP membership includes a subscription to AARP Magazine, access to their website with health and financial information, and discounts at thousands of businesses. Members also get access to AARP's driver safety course, which some insurance companies discount if you complete it.

The membership also covers access to AARP's tax preparation service (AARP Tax-Aide), which offers free tax help at locations across the country. Members can use AARP's health insurance marketplace to compare Medicare plans, though you do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in Medicare itself.

What to do if you are under 50

If you are not yet 50, you cannot join AARP, but some AARP resources are still available to you. AARP's website has articles about caregiving, retirement planning, and health topics that anyone can read without membership. Some employers and unions offer AARP memberships to people under 50 as a workplace benefit, though this is uncommon.

If you are caring for an aging parent or relative, you may find AARP's caregiver resources useful even before you are may be able to access to join. The AARP Caregiver Resource Center is open to anyone and offers guides, support groups, and information about long-term care planning. You can also browse AARP's content on Medicare, Social Security, and retirement savings without a membership.

The cost of membership

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership. This is a flat rate regardless of your age — a 50-year-old and an 85-year-old pay the same amount. AARP often runs promotions where the first year costs less, sometimes as low as $1 for the first year, with the regular $16 rate explore to renewals.

You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, AARP does not refund membership fees, but you can let your membership expire by not renewing when it comes due.

Renewing your membership each year

AARP will send you a renewal notice before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. Most members renew online because it takes only a few minutes and your membership continues without a gap.

If you miss a renewal important date, your membership will lapse. You can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership fee — there is no penalty for letting it expire and restarting. Your new membership card will arrive within two to three weeks of payment.

Membership discounts and where to use them

AARP members receive discounts at major hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Marriott properties. Rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer AARP member rates. Restaurants including Denny's, Applebee's, and Red Robin provide discounts to cardholders.

Pharmacy and health discounts are available at CVS, Walgreens, and other chains. Some movie theaters offer matinee pricing to AARP members. The specific discounts change, so it is worth checking AARP's website or calling their member services line to see which businesses near you participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. AARP requires members to be 50 or older. You cannot join early, even if you will turn 50 soon. You become may be able to access on your 50th birthday.

Do I need to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are still working, retired, or self-employed. Your employment status does not affect your ability to join.

Can my adult child use my AARP membership?

No. AARP memberships are individual and non-transferable. Each person who wants AARP benefits must have their own membership and be at least 50 years old. Your child cannot use your membership card or account.

What happens to my membership if I move to another state?

Your AARP membership is valid nationwide and does not change if you move. You can update your address online or by calling AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277, and your membership continues without interruption.

Is there a senior discount if I join at an older age?

No. The membership fee is the same whether you join at 50 or at 80. AARP does not charge different rates based on age. Some promotions offer discounted first-year rates to new members of any age.