You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail for $16 a year

AARP membership costs $16 for your first year and $24 per year after that. You must be 50 or older. The quickest way to join is online at aarp.org — it takes about 10 minutes and you get when ready access to member discounts and resources. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 or mail in a paper form if you prefer not to use the internet.

Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Until it arrives, you can use your membership number (given to you when ready after joining) at participating retailers and restaurants that offer AARP discounts. Some discounts require showing your physical card, so keep track of your membership number in the meantime.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 for the first year, then $24 annually.
  • Online enrollment at aarp.org is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
  • Your membership number is available when ready after joining online, even though your physical card takes two to three weeks to arrive.
  • AARP offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and insurance products, plus access to their magazine and website resources.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time without penalty if you change your mind.

Joining online at AARP.org

Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" button, usually at the top of the page. You will need to create an account with an email address and password. Enter your birth date to confirm you are 50 or older, then provide your name, mailing address, and phone number.

On the payment screen, you will see the $16 first-year rate. AARP accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account payments. After you complete payment, your membership number appears on the screen when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot — you can use it right away at stores and restaurants that honor AARP discounts, even before your card arrives.

You will receive a confirmation email with your membership number and a link to your online account. From there, you can read the AARP app, browse member discounts, and read AARP Magazine online.

Joining by phone

Call 1-888-687-2277 to speak with an AARP representative. Have your birth date, mailing address, and a payment method ready. The representative will walk you through the membership process and answer any questions. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Your membership number will be provided over the phone, and you can start using it for discounts when ready. Your physical card and welcome materials will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not have internet access or prefer to talk to someone, this is the most straightforward route.

Joining by mail

You can request a paper membership form by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by visiting aarp.org and looking for the mailing address. Fill out the form completely, including your name, birth date, address, and phone number. Include a check or money order for $16 payable to AARP.

Mail the form to the address provided on the form itself. Processing takes four to six weeks from the time AARP receives it. This is the slowest method, so use it only if you cannot join online or by phone. You will not have access to your membership number or discounts until your card arrives.

What you get as an AARP member

AARP membership includes access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and insurance products like auto and homeowners coverage. You also receive AARP Magazine six times a year and access to aarp.org, which has articles on health, money, caregiving, and work. Members can join local AARP chapters in their community for social events and volunteer opportunities.

Many retailers honor AARP discounts at the register — common ones include Walgreens, CVS, Lowe's, and Home Depot. Restaurant chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and Olive Garden offer member discounts. The specific discount amount varies by business and changes over time, so ask before you pay or check the AARP website for current offers in your area.

AARP also offers tax preparation help through AARP Tax-Aide, a free volunteer program that helps low- to moderate-income people file their taxes. Members can access webinars and online courses on topics like Social Security, Medicare, and financial planning.

Renewing your membership

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date, unless you cancel. AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your renewal date. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join.

If you do not want to renew, you can cancel at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or logging into your online account and following the cancellation steps. There is no penalty for canceling, and you will not be charged again after your current membership expires.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time without penalty. Call 1-888-687-2277 and tell the representative you want to cancel. They will process it when ready and confirm your cancellation date. You can also cancel online by logging into your account, going to your membership settings, and selecting the cancellation option.

If you cancel before your renewal date, you will not be charged for the next year. If you have already paid for a renewal and then cancel, AARP offers refunds within 30 days of the charge. Keep your membership number and confirmation email in case you need to reference your cancellation later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be exactly 50 years old to join?

No. You must be 50 or older. If you are 50 or have already turned 50, you can join. AARP will ask for your birth date during enrollment to confirm your age.

Can I use my membership number before my card arrives?

Yes. Your membership number is available when ready after you join online or by phone. You can give this number to retailers and restaurants that honor AARP discounts. Some places require a physical card, so it is worth asking before you shop.

What if I join and then change my mind?

You can cancel within 30 days and receive a full refund. Call 1-888-687-2277 or cancel online through your account. After 30 days, AARP does not refund the membership fee, but you can still cancel and will not be charged for renewal.

Is there a discount for joining for multiple years at once?

AARP does not offer multi-year discounts. You pay year by year. However, some employers and organizations offer group AARP memberships at a reduced rate — ask your employer's benefits department if this is available to you.

Can I give my membership to a family member?

No. Each person must have their own membership and be 50 or older. Your spouse or partner can join separately for $16 their first year. Memberships are not transferable.