AARP gift memberships are ordered online or by phone, paid for by you, and sent to the recipient with a welcome packet

You buy the membership through AARP's website or by calling their customer service line, provide the recipient's name and address, and AARP mails them a welcome letter explaining what comes with membership. The recipient does not have to do anything to set up it — the membership is already paid for and begins when ready. You can give a one-year membership, and the recipient can choose to renew it themselves after that year ends, or let it lapse.

The gift arrives as a physical packet in the mail, not an email or digital code. This makes it a tangible present, though it means there is a delay between when you order and when the recipient receives it. AARP typically processes gift orders within a few business days and mails them out shortly after.

Key Takeaways

  • Gift memberships are purchased on AARP.com or by phone at 1-888-687-2277, and you pay the full membership fee upfront.
  • The recipient receives a welcome packet in the mail with their membership card, member magazine, and information about member benefits.
  • The membership is active when ready upon purchase, even though the physical packet takes time to arrive in the mail.
  • A gift membership lasts one year from the date of purchase, and the recipient can renew it themselves if they wish to continue.

Ordering a gift membership online

Go to AARP.com and look for the "Gift Membership" option, usually found in the membership section or through a search. You will be asked to enter the recipient's full name, mailing address, and email address (if you want AARP to send them a notification that a gift is on the way). You then select the membership type — standard membership is the most common option — and proceed to checkout.

At checkout, you provide your own payment information and billing address. AARP accepts major credit cards and debit cards. Once the order is confirmed, you will receive an order confirmation email. The recipient will not see any charges on their own account; the entire cost comes from you.

Ordering by phone

Call AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277 and tell them you want to purchase a gift membership. A representative will ask for the recipient's name and mailing address, confirm the membership type, and take your payment information over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions about what the membership includes or if you prefer not to order online.

Phone orders are processed the same way as online orders — the membership is paid in full by you, and the recipient receives a welcome packet by mail. Ask the representative how long delivery typically takes in your area, as mail times vary by region.

What the recipient receives

The welcome packet includes the recipient's AARP membership card, the current issue of AARP Magazine, a welcome letter explaining their membership benefits, and information about how to access AARP's website and member discounts. The membership card is valid when ready, even if it arrives after the membership start date.

Once they have their membership card, the recipient can use it at participating retailers and restaurants for discounts, access AARP's website to read articles and use online tools, and receive the monthly magazine. They can also call AARP's member services line if they have questions about their benefits.

Cost and membership length

AARP membership costs vary by membership type and any current promotions. Standard membership is the most common option. The cost you pay covers one full year of membership from the date of purchase. You should confirm the current price on AARP.com or by phone before ordering, as promotional rates change throughout the year.

After the first year, the recipient will receive renewal notices in the mail. They can choose to renew at that time, usually at the standard renewal rate, or they can let the membership expire. AARP does not automatically renew gift memberships unless the recipient chooses to do so.

Timing and delivery

AARP processes gift orders within a few business days of purchase. The welcome packet is then mailed to the recipient's address. Delivery time depends on the postal service and the recipient's location — typically one to two weeks, though it can take longer in some areas. If you are giving the gift for a specific date, order at least three weeks in advance to allow time for processing and mail delivery.

If the recipient does not receive their packet within three weeks, contact AARP customer service with your order confirmation number. They can verify the mailing address and resend the packet if needed.

Giving the gift to the recipient

You have two options: you can tell the recipient in advance that a gift membership is on the way, or you can let it arrive as a surprise. If you notify them ahead of time, they will know to expect the packet and can start using their membership as soon as it arrives. If you want it to be a surprise, you might include a note with the gift explaining what AARP membership includes and how to use it.

Some people print out the order confirmation and include it with a card or note, so the recipient knows the gift is real and has a reference number if they need to contact AARP. Others straightforward let the official AARP packet serve as the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give a gift membership to someone under 50?

AARP membership is for people 50 and older. If the recipient is under 50, they will not be able to use the membership. Check the recipient's age before ordering.

What if the recipient already has an AARP membership?

If they already have an active membership, the gift membership may extend their current membership by one year rather than creating a duplicate account. Contact AARP customer service before ordering to confirm how the gift will be applied to an existing membership.

Can I give a gift membership for longer than one year?

Standard gift memberships are for one year. Some promotions may offer multi-year options, but these are not always available. Check AARP.com or call customer service to see what options are currently offered.

Is there a gift card or digital option instead of a physical membership?

AARP gift memberships are sent as physical packets in the mail. There is no digital gift card or email-based option at this time. The physical packet is the standard way to give this gift.

What if I need to cancel or change the gift order?

Contact AARP customer service as soon as possible with your order confirmation number. If the order has not yet been mailed, they may be able to cancel it or change the recipient's address. Once the packet is in the mail, cancellation is not possible, but you can contact AARP about other options.