AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older, with no income or health requirements

You can join AARP if you are at least 50 years old. There is no means test, no medical exam, and no requirement to be retired. AARP does not check your income, assets, or health status. 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 to receive materials.

The only barrier to membership is age. If you are 50 or older, you meet the basic requirement. Some people join at 50 even if they are still working full-time. Others join later in life. AARP also offers membership for spouses or partners under 50 if the primary member is 50 or older, though the younger member pays a separate rate.

Membership costs money — currently around $16 per year for a standard membership, though AARP periodically runs promotional rates. Some people find the cost worth it for the discounts alone. Others join for the magazine, the advocacy work, or access to resources about health and caregiving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP; no other age restrictions explore.
  • AARP does not review income, assets, employment status, or health to determine membership.
  • You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership is active within days of payment.
  • Spouses or partners under 50 can join at a reduced rate if the primary member is 50 or older.
  • Annual membership costs around $16, though promotional rates are common for new members.

What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership includes AARP Magazine, a bimonthly publication sent to your home. You also get access to AARP.org, where you can read articles about health, money, caregiving, and work. The website includes tools like a Medicare plan comparison tool and a caregiver resource center.

Many members join for the discounts. AARP negotiates rates with hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and retailers. The discounts vary by location and business — a hotel discount in one city may differ from the same chain in another. You show your AARP card or membership number at checkout to receive the discount. Not every business honors AARP rates, so it is worth asking before you book or purchase.

Members also receive access to AARP's driver safety course, which some insurance companies discount if you complete it. The course is available online and takes about four hours. Some states offer a discount on your vehicle registration or insurance premium if you finish the course, though the amount varies.

Membership for people still working

You do not have to be retired to join AARP. Many people join at 50 while still employed full-time. AARP membership does not affect your job, your income, your taxes, or your benefits. It is straightforward a membership organization open to people 50 and older.

If you are still working and earning income, you may find some AARP resources useful — for example, articles about phased retirement, part-time work, or managing finances while employed. You can also access the discounts when ready. However, you will not be able to use AARP's Medicare resources until you are closer to 65, since Medicare may be able to access begins at that age.

How to join AARP

You can join AARP online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form sent to you. Online is usually the fastest — you enter your name, date of birth, address, and payment information, and membership is active within a few days. You receive your membership card by mail within one to two weeks.

When you join, you choose how you want to receive AARP Magazine — print, digital, or both. You can change this preference anytime in your account settings. You also choose whether to receive email updates about AARP programs and offers. You can unsubscribe from emails at any time.

AARP often offers promotional rates for new members, such as the first year at a reduced price or a gift card with membership. These offers change seasonally, so it is worth checking the website or calling to ask what is currently available when you are ready to join.

Membership for spouses and partners under 50

If your spouse or partner is under 50 and you are 50 or older, they can join AARP at a reduced rate. This is sometimes called a "household" or "dual" membership. The younger member receives their own card and access to the same benefits as the primary member, but pays less than a full membership would cost.

Both members can use the discounts, access AARP.org, and receive the magazine if they choose. Each person has their own login for the website and their own account settings. You do not have to live in the same household to add a spouse or partner — AARP only requires that you be married or in a committed partnership.

What AARP membership does not include

AARP membership is not a health insurance plan, a government benefit, or a financial service. It does not provide medical coverage, prescription drug discounts, or dental insurance. AARP does offer information about these topics and may partner with insurance companies to offer plans, but membership itself is not insurance.

AARP does not determine your may be able to access for Medicare, Social Security, or other government programs. Membership does not affect your benefits or your taxes. AARP is a membership organization that provides information, advocacy, and discounts — not a government agency.

Some people confuse AARP with Medicare or think that joining AARP automatically enrolls them in a health plan. It does not. If you are nearing 65 and need health insurance, you will need to enroll in Medicare separately through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working, retired, or anything in between. Your employment status does not affect your membership or your access to benefits.

Does AARP membership affect my Social Security or Medicare?

No. AARP membership is separate from government benefits. Joining AARP does not change when you can claim Social Security, does not enroll you in Medicare, and does not affect the amount of any benefit you receive.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel online, by phone, or by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP typically refunds your membership fee. After 30 days, cancellation is effective but no refund is issued. You can rejoin anytime.

What if I am under 50 but my parent is an AARP member?

You cannot join AARP as a primary member until you turn 50. However, if you are married to or in a committed partnership with someone 50 or older, you may be able to join as a household member at a reduced rate.

Is AARP a government program?

No. AARP is a nonprofit membership organization, not a government agency. It is not affiliated with Medicare, Social Security, or any federal or state benefit program, though it provides information about these programs.