You can cancel AARP by phone, mail, or online, and the process takes about five to ten minutes

AARP membership cancels through their member services line, by certified mail to their headquarters, or through your online account if you joined that way. You do not need a reason to cancel, and you will not be asked to explain your decision. The cancellation takes effect when ready, though you may receive materials in the mail for a few weeks afterward because of processing delays.

The fastest route is a phone call to AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277. Have your membership number ready — it appears on your membership card and in any mail from AARP. A representative will confirm your identity, process the cancellation, and give you a confirmation number on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 with your membership number to cancel by phone in about five minutes.
  • You can also cancel online through your AARP account or by sending a certified letter to AARP headquarters requesting cancellation.
  • Cancellation takes effect when ready, though promotional mail may arrive for several weeks due to processing delays.
  • If you paid for a multi-year membership, you may be may have access to to a refund of the unused portion depending on when you cancel.
  • Canceling your membership does not affect any AARP benefits you have already used or any insurance policies you hold through AARP.

Canceling by phone is the fastest method

Call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your membership number available — it is printed on your membership card and in your welcome materials.

When you reach a representative, tell them you want to cancel your membership. They will ask for your name and membership number to pull up your account. The representative may ask if there is anything they can do to keep you as a member — you can decline or explain your reason if you wish. Once you confirm you want to cancel, they will process it when ready and provide a confirmation number.

Canceling online through your AARP account

If you created an AARP online account when you joined, you can cancel through the account settings. Log in at aarp.org with your email and password, then navigate to your account settings or membership section. Look for an option labeled "Manage Membership" or "Cancel Membership" — the exact wording varies depending on when your account was created.

Click the cancellation option and follow the prompts. You will be asked to confirm your decision, and the system will show you a confirmation message with a reference number. Save or print this confirmation for your records. Cancellation through the website takes effect within one business day.

Canceling by mail with certified letter

Write a letter to AARP requesting cancellation of your membership. Include your full name, membership number, date of birth, and the address on your account. Keep the letter brief — a single sentence stating you wish to cancel is sufficient.

Send the letter by certified mail with return receipt to:

AARP Member Services 601 E Street NW Washington, DC 20049

Certified mail provides proof that AARP received your request. Keep the return receipt and tracking number for your records. Cancellation by mail typically takes two to three weeks to process, so you may see charges or materials arrive after you send the letter.

What happens to refunds and unused membership time

AARP membership costs vary by membership type and length. Annual memberships are typically non-refundable once the membership year has begun. However, if you cancel within a certain window after joining — usually 30 days — you may be may have access to to a refund.

If you paid for a multi-year membership upfront and cancel partway through, contact Member Services to ask about a refund for the unused portion. AARP handles these requests case by case, and the representative can tell you whether you may have access to. Keep your receipt or billing statement showing what you paid and when.

What you lose and what you keep after cancellation

Canceling your AARP membership stops your access to member-only discounts, the AARP Magazine, and member services like the tax preparation information program. You will no longer be able to log into your AARP account or use any member benefits.

If you hold an AARP-branded insurance policy — such as auto, home, or supplemental health insurance — canceling your membership does not cancel your insurance. Your policy remains active and you continue to pay premiums. Contact your insurance provider directly if you want to cancel an insurance policy. Similarly, if you have used AARP services like tax help or legal consultation, those records remain yours to access through your provider, not through AARP.

If you want to rejoin later

You can rejoin AARP at any time by calling Member Services, visiting aarp.org, or mailing a new membership request. There is no penalty for canceling and rejoining. If you cancel and rejoin within the same year, you may be able to get a prorated rate for the remaining months, though this depends on your membership type and when you rejoin.

If you are canceling because of cost, ask Member Services about reduced-rate memberships or promotional pricing. AARP sometimes offers discounted rates for new members or members who have canceled, and the representative may be able to offer you a lower rate to stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

It depends on your membership type and how long you have been a member. Annual memberships are usually non-refundable once the membership year starts, but multi-year memberships may may have access to for a refund of the unused portion. Call Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 with your membership number and join date to find out what applies to you.

Can I cancel if I have an AARP insurance policy?

Yes. Canceling your AARP membership does not cancel any insurance policies you hold through AARP. Your insurance stays active and you continue to pay premiums. If you want to cancel an insurance policy, contact your insurance provider directly — they are separate from AARP membership.

How long does it take for cancellation to go through?

Phone and online cancellations take effect when ready or within one business day. Cancellation by certified mail takes two to three weeks. You may continue to receive promotional mail for a few weeks after cancellation because of processing delays in the mail system.

What if I change my mind after canceling?

You can rejoin AARP at any time by calling Member Services, visiting aarp.org, or mailing a new membership request. There is no waiting period or penalty. You will pay the current membership rate for the period you choose.

Do I need to give a reason for canceling?

No. AARP does not require you to explain why you are canceling. If you call Member Services, the representative may ask if there is anything they can do to keep you as a member, but you can straightforward say you want to cancel and they will process it.