You can join AARP at 50 or older, and membership costs $16 per year

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 years old or older. There is no income requirement, no health screening, and no waiting period. You pay $16 for a one-year membership, and you can renew it each year for the same price. Some people pay less through discounted offers AARP runs throughout the year, often bringing the cost down to $8 or $12 for the first year.

You do not need to be retired to join. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid mailing address in the United States or U.S. territory. If you are under 50, you cannot join as a regular member, though AARP does offer a separate program called AARP Generations for people in their 40s.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP as a standard member, with no other age restrictions above that.
  • Annual membership costs $16, though promotional offers often reduce the first-year cost to $8 or $12.
  • You do not need to be retired, and there is no income limit or health screening required.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership begins when ready after payment.
  • AARP membership includes discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to their magazine and website resources.

How to join online, by phone, or by mail

The fastest way to join is through AARP's website at aarp.org. You enter your name, date of birth, email, and mailing address, then pay by credit card or debit card. Membership is active as soon as your payment goes through, usually within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email and your membership card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

You can also join by phone by calling AARP at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. This route takes about 10 minutes.

If you prefer to mail in your membership, you can request a paper form by calling the same number or visiting an AARP office in person. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. This method takes longer — usually three to four weeks from the time AARP receives your form.

What happens if you are under 50

AARP does not offer standard membership to people under 50. However, AARP Generations is a separate program for people in their 40s. It costs $24 per year and includes some of the same discounts and resources as full AARP membership, though not all. You can learn more about AARP Generations on the AARP website or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

Once you turn 50, you can upgrade to full AARP membership at any time. If you are already an AARP Generations member when you reach 50, you can switch to regular membership without losing any time or paying twice.

Discounts and benefits included with membership

AARP membership includes discounts on car and home insurance, travel bookings, dining at restaurants, and purchases at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. The size of each discount varies — some are 5 percent, others are 10 or 15 percent. You do not have to use any of them; they are straightforward there if you want them.

All members receive AARP Magazine six times a year and access to AARP.org, which has articles on health, money, caregiving, and work. Members can also join local AARP chapters in their area, which host events and volunteer opportunities. Some chapters offer free tax preparation help through AARP's Tax-Aide program.

AARP also offers group rates on supplemental insurance products like long-term care insurance and life insurance, though these are separate purchases with their own costs. Membership itself does not include health insurance.

Renewing your membership each year

AARP will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join. Renewal costs $16 per year, though AARP often includes promotional offers in the renewal notice that lower the price for that year.

If you miss the renewal important date, your membership will lapse. You can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership fee. There is no penalty for letting your membership lapse, and you do not lose any benefits you earned while you were a member.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by visiting AARP.org and managing your account online. There is no cancellation fee, and you do not have to provide a reason. If you cancel before your membership year is up, AARP does not refund the unused portion of your membership fee.

If you want to pause your membership rather than cancel it, you can straightforward let it lapse and rejoin later. Many people do this if they are moving, changing their mailing address, or going through a period when they do not plan to use the discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP if I am not retired?

Yes. AARP membership has no requirement that you be retired, working part-time, or working full-time. Your employment status does not matter. The only requirement is that you are 50 or older.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to join AARP?

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid mailing address in the United States or a U.S. territory. AARP will mail your membership card and magazine to that address, so it must be a place where mail can reach you.

What if I turn 50 soon — can I join now?

No, you must be 50 or older at the time you join. However, you can join on the day you turn 50. If you want to join before your birthday, you will need to wait until that date. AARP will ask for your date of birth during signup to confirm your age.

Is there a money-back may provide if I do not like my membership?

AARP does not offer a money-back may provide on membership fees. However, you can cancel at any time without penalty. If you join and decide within a few weeks that membership is not for you, you can cancel and stop paying for future years.

Can someone else pay for my AARP membership as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase an AARP membership for someone else as a gift by going to AARP.org or calling 1-888-687-2277. The gift membership will be mailed to the recipient's address, and they can start using their membership card and discounts right away.