You must be 50 or older to join AARP

AARP membership begins at age 50. 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 purchase an AARP membership, which costs $16 per year for the first year and $12 per year after that.

AARP is a membership organization, not a government program. You pay the membership fee directly to AARP, and in return you receive access to discounts, publications, and information resources. The membership is individual — each person who wants to join pays their own fee, though AARP does offer household memberships at a reduced rate if two people in the same home both want to join.

You do not need to be retired to join AARP. You do not need to meet any income requirement. You straightforward need to be 50 or older and willing to pay the annual fee. Many people join while still working because the discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and entertainment begin when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and older, regardless of retirement status or income.
  • The membership fee is $16 for the first year and $12 per year after that, paid directly to AARP.
  • Membership includes access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and retail, plus AARP Magazine and online resources.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership is effective when ready upon payment.
  • AARP also offers a free membership tier called AARP Digital, which gives you access to some online content without paying the annual fee.

What AARP membership includes

When you pay the annual fee, you receive AARP Magazine six times per year, which covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older. You also get access to AARP.org, where you can read articles, watch videos, and use planning tools related to health, caregiving, retirement, and Social Security.

The membership discount network is the main reason most people join. AARP has negotiated discounts with major hotel chains (Hilton, Choice Hotels, Wyndham), rental car companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget), restaurants (Denny's, Applebee's, Olive Garden), and retailers (Best Buy, Home Depot, Walgreens). The discount amount varies by business and by offer — some are 10 percent off, others are specific dollar amounts or free items with purchase.

AARP membership also includes access to their driver safety course, which some insurance companies recognize with a discount on your auto insurance premium. The course is available online and takes about four hours to complete. Some states also allow the course to reduce points on your driving record.

How to join AARP

You can join AARP online at aarp.org/join, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form from an AARP publication or website. Online is the fastest route — you enter your name, date of birth, address, and payment information, and your membership is active within minutes.

You will need a valid email address to join online. AARP will send you a confirmation email with your membership number, which you can use when ready to access the website and start using discounts at partner businesses. Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

If you join by phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. If you join by mail, you fill out a form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail processing takes longer — typically three to four weeks before your membership is active.

AARP Digital membership at no cost

AARP offers a free membership tier called AARP Digital. This gives you access to AARP.org content, including articles, videos, and some tools, but does not include the printed magazine, the full discount network, or the driver safety course. AARP Digital is a way to explore the organization's content before paying for a full membership.

You can upgrade from AARP Digital to a paid membership at any time. If you do, AARP will credit any time you spent as a Digital member toward your paid membership, so you do not pay twice for overlapping months.

Household memberships and renewals

If two people in the same household both want to join, AARP offers a household membership for $24 for the first year and $18 per year after that. This is less expensive than paying for two individual memberships. Both people receive their own membership card and magazine, and both can use the discount network.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date. AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail and email before the renewal date. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as initial enrollment. If you want to cancel your membership, you can do so at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your account on AARP.org.

AARP membership versus government programs

AARP membership is separate from Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, and other government programs. Joining AARP does not change your may be able to access for any government benefit, and it does not enroll you in anything automatically. AARP is a private organization that offers discounts and information to its members.

Some people confuse AARP with government programs because AARP publishes a lot of information about Medicare and Social Security. AARP does advocate for policies affecting older adults, and it provides educational resources about government programs, but membership itself is purely a discount and information service.

If you are looking for information about Medicare enrollment, Social Security benefits, or other government programs, AARP.org has guides and tools that can help you understand your options. But those resources are available to anyone, not just AARP members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. You cannot join early, and there is no way to become a member before you reach that age. Once you turn 50, you can join when ready.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working full-time, part-time, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your ability to join or the benefits you receive.

What if I cancel my membership and want to rejoin later?

You can rejoin AARP at any time by paying the membership fee again. There is no penalty for canceling and rejoining, and you do not lose any benefits or discounts by taking a break from membership.

Does AARP membership cover my spouse if we are married?

No. Each person needs their own membership. However, if you and your spouse both want to join, you can purchase a household membership for less than two individual memberships.

Can I use AARP discounts if I have a Digital membership?

AARP Digital gives you access to online content but not the full discount network. To use most AARP discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers, you need a paid membership. Some discounts may be available through AARP.org even with a Digital membership, but the full network requires paid membership.