You can join AARP at age 50

AARP membership opens at age 50, regardless of your work status or retirement plans. You do not have to be retired, and you do not have to be collecting Social Security. The only requirement is that you turn 50 during the calendar year you join.

Membership is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. You can join online, by mail, or by phone. The process takes a few minutes, and membership typically begins the month after AARP receives your payment.

Some people join at 50 to start using AARP's discounts on travel, dining, and shopping. Others wait until they retire or turn 65 to sign up for Medicare information resources. There is no penalty for joining early or late — you join when it makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership begins at age 50, and you do not need to be retired to join.
  • Annual membership costs $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that, though promotional rates are often available.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a form to AARP's membership office.
  • AARP membership includes access to discounts, a monthly magazine, and resources about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning.

What AARP membership costs

Standard membership costs $16 for your first year and $24 per year after that. AARP frequently runs promotional offers that reduce the first-year cost to $12 or less, especially if you join online or respond to a direct-mail offer.

If you are already a member, you can renew your membership at the standard rate. Renewal notices arrive by mail about 60 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by returning the renewal form with a check.

AARP also offers a lifetime membership option, though the cost varies and is not always advertised. You can ask about lifetime membership when you call or visit the website.

How to join online, by phone, or by mail

Online: Go to aarp.org and click the "Join" button. You will enter your name, date of birth, address, and email. You can pay by credit card or debit card. Membership usually starts the following month.

By phone: Call 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership questions and take your payment information. The call takes about 10 minutes. This is the fastest way to confirm your membership is active.

By mail: AARP sends membership invitations to people who turn 50. If you receive one, you can fill it out and mail it back with a check. Processing takes two to four weeks. You can also request a membership form by calling the number above.

What you get with AARP membership

Membership includes a monthly magazine with articles about health, money, and retirement. You also receive access to AARP's website, which has planning tools, articles, and a searchable database of discounts.

AARP offers discounts at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retail stores. The discounts vary by location and change throughout the year. You show your AARP card or membership number at checkout to receive the discount.

Members also get access to AARP's Medicare and Social Security resources, including guides, webinars, and one-on-one counseling through AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide and Money Management programs. These services are free to members.

AARP membership and Medicare enrollment

AARP membership does not affect your Medicare enrollment or your benefits. You still must enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after.

However, AARP offers detailed Medicare guides and comparison tools on its website. Members can also attend free AARP Medicare workshops in many communities. These resources help you understand your options but do not change the enrollment important date or rules.

If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums. AARP's resources can help you understand whether you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period, but you will still need to enroll through Medicare.gov or by calling Social Security.

Renewing your membership and canceling if you need to

AARP sends renewal notices 60 days before your membership expires. You can renew online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing back the renewal form with payment.

If you want to cancel your membership, you can do so at any time. Call 1-888-687-2277 or write to AARP at 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049. AARP will not refund the membership fee, but your membership will end on the date it was set to expire.

Some people cancel and rejoin later to take advantage of promotional rates. There is no penalty for doing this, and you can rejoin whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 years old. You can be working full-time, part-time, or not working at all. Retirement status does not matter.

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. You must be 50 years old or older to join. If you are 49, you can wait until you turn 50 during the current calendar year. You cannot join in advance.

Does AARP membership help me with Social Security or Medicare enrollment?

AARP membership itself does not change your Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, members get free access to AARP's guides, webinars, and counseling services that explain how these programs work and help you make decisions about enrollment timing.

What if I lose my AARP card?

Call 1-888-687-2277 and ask for a replacement card. AARP will mail a new card to your address. You can also use your membership number, which appears on your renewal notices and in your online account, to receive discounts while you wait for the replacement.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about membership?

AARP does not refund membership fees once you have joined. However, you can cancel your membership at any time, and your membership will end on its expiration date. You can rejoin later if you change your mind.