You can join AARP at 50 or older, and membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 for a couple
AARP membership is open to anyone 50 years old or older. There are no income limits, no health requirements, and no background check. You do not need to be retired — many working people join AARP at 50. The only real requirement is your age.
A single membership costs $16 per year. A household membership (two people at the same address) costs $27 per year. AARP occasionally runs promotional rates, particularly around the holidays, where the first year might cost $8 or $12 instead. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form from their website.
Once you join, your membership lasts 12 months from the date you sign up. You will receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. AARP will send you their magazine and email newsletters, and you will have access to their website resources, discounts, and member services.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP; there are no other age restrictions or maximum age limits.
- Membership costs $16 per year for one person or $27 per year for two people at the same address.
- You do not need to be retired, have a certain income, or meet any health or background requirements to join.
- You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and your membership card arrives within two to three weeks.
- Promotional rates are sometimes available, particularly during the holiday season, reducing the first-year cost.
What you get with an AARP membership
AARP membership includes access to their website, which has articles, tools, and resources on health, caregiving, money, work, and leisure. Members receive AARP Magazine six times per year and can sign up for email newsletters on topics they choose. You also get a membership card that you can show at participating retailers and service providers to receive discounts.
The discounts vary by location and business, but common ones include savings on hotels, car rentals, restaurants, movie tickets, and insurance products. Some pharmacies and vision providers offer member discounts as well. You can search for discounts in your area on the AARP website by entering your zip code.
AARP also offers member-only services such as tax preparation help, legal services referrals, and financial planning resources. Some of these services are free to members; others are available at a reduced cost. The specific services and their costs vary, so check the AARP website or call their member services line at 1-888-687-2277 to learn what is available to you.
How to join AARP online
Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" or "Membership" button, usually at the top of the page. Click it and you will be taken to a form that asks for your name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address. You will also need to create a username and password for your AARP account.
After you fill in your information, you will choose your membership type (single or household) and see the current price. If a promotional rate is running, it will show there. You will then enter payment information — AARP accepts credit cards and debit cards. Once your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation email with your membership number.
Your membership card will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within two to three weeks. You can start using your membership number and accessing the AARP website right away, even before the card arrives.
How to join AARP by phone or mail
To join by phone, call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership options, answer questions about costs and benefits, and take your payment information over the phone. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number and your membership will be active when ready.
To join by mail, visit aarp.org and read or request a membership form. Fill it out with your name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Include a check or money order for the membership cost and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time AARP receives your form.
Renewing your AARP membership
AARP will send you a renewal notice about 30 days before your membership expires. The notice will include instructions for renewing online, by phone, or by mail. You can renew at any time during the 30 days before expiration or within 30 days after expiration without losing your membership benefits.
If you renew online, the process is the same as joining — you log into your account, confirm your information, and pay the annual fee. By phone, you can call 1-888-687-2277 and a representative will process your renewal. By mail, you can send in the renewal form that came with your notice along with payment.
If your membership lapses (expires and you do not renew within 30 days), you can rejoin at any time by following the same steps as a new member. There is no penalty for letting your membership lapse, and you do not lose any benefits by rejoining later.
AARP membership for couples and household members
A household membership covers two people at the same address and costs $27 per year. Both members receive a membership card and can access all AARP benefits and discounts. You do not need to be married — household members can be spouses, partners, family members, or roommates, as long as you share the same mailing address.
When you sign up for a household membership, you will provide the names and dates of birth for both members. Each person gets their own username and password for the AARP website. Both membership cards are mailed to the same address and arrive within two to three weeks.
If one household member wants to drop out of the membership, you can downgrade to a single membership at any time. Contact AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 to make this change, and your membership cost will be adjusted for the remainder of your membership year.
What happens if you do not meet the age requirement
AARP requires members to be 50 or older. If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP directly. However, some employers and organizations offer group memberships that may have different rules — check with your employer's benefits department to see if they have a partnership with AARP.
If you are close to 50, you can wait until your 50th birthday to join. There is no rush to join before then, and you will not miss out on any long-term benefits by waiting. Once you turn 50, you can join at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be retired to join AARP?
No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working, retired, or somewhere in between. Many people join AARP while still employed because of the discounts and resources available to members.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about my membership?
AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and decide membership is not for you within 30 days, you can contact member services at 1-888-687-2277 and request a refund. After 30 days, membership fees are not refundable, though you can let your membership lapse and not renew.
What if I move to a different state or country?
Your AARP membership is valid nationwide and in some cases internationally. If you move, update your address on the AARP website or by calling 1-888-687-2277 so your magazine and renewal notices reach you. Your membership benefits and discounts remain the same.
Can I cancel my membership before the year is up?
Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 or by logging into your account on aarp.org. If you cancel before your membership year ends, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion unless you cancel within the first 30 days.
Is there a discount for joining for multiple years?
AARP does not offer multi-year discounts. You pay the annual rate each year. However, promotional rates during the holiday season can reduce your first-year cost, so it may be worth waiting for those if you are planning to join soon.