You can renew your AARP membership at any time before or after it expires by visiting the AARP website

AARP memberships last for one year from the date you join or renew. You do not have to wait until your membership expires to renew — you can renew early and add time to your current membership. The easiest way to renew is online through your AARP account, which takes about five minutes and requires your membership number and a payment method.

When you renew online, your new membership year begins when ready if you renew before your current membership ends. If you renew after your membership has expired, your new year starts on the date you complete the renewal. Either way, you will receive a confirmation email with your new membership card details.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your AARP membership online at any time, and it takes about five minutes if you have your membership number and a credit or debit card ready.
  • Your new membership year begins right away if you renew before your current membership expires, or on the renewal date if you renew after it has ended.
  • You will receive a confirmation email when ready after renewing, and your new membership card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
  • If you do not have your membership number, you can look it up on your membership card, in past AARP emails, or by calling AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277.

Steps to renew online through your AARP account

Start by going to the AARP website and signing into your account with your email address and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to create one using your membership number, email address, and a password you choose. Once you are signed in, look for the "Membership" or "Renew" section in your account dashboard.

Click on the renewal option and review your membership details to make sure they are correct — your name, address, and birth date should all match your records. Then select your membership type (standard AARP membership is the most common option) and choose your payment method. AARP accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enter your payment information and confirm the renewal. You will see a confirmation number on the screen and receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.

What happens if you renew after your membership expires

If your membership has already expired, you can still renew at any time using the same online process. There is no penalty for renewing late, and you will not lose any of your AARP benefits or discounts once your renewal is processed. Your new membership year will begin on the date you complete the renewal, not on the date your old membership ended.

Keep in mind that if you let your membership lapse for a long time, you may not receive renewal reminders by mail or email. Checking your membership status on the AARP website is the most reliable way to know whether you need to renew. You can also call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about your membership status and renew over the phone if you prefer not to do it online.

Finding your membership number if you do not have it handy

Your AARP membership number appears on your membership card, usually in the upper right corner. If you cannot find your card, check any emails from AARP — renewal reminders and membership confirmations always include your membership number. You can also log into your AARP account online, where your membership number will be displayed on your account dashboard or membership page.

If you have lost access to your email account or cannot find your membership number any other way, call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277. A representative can look up your membership number using your name, address, and birth date. They can also help you renew over the phone if you do not want to do it online, though online renewal is usually faster.

Payment methods and what the renewal costs

AARP accepts all major credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You cannot pay with cash, check, or bank transfer online. The cost of AARP membership varies depending on your age and the type of membership you choose, and prices change periodically. When you go through the renewal process online, you will see the exact cost before you confirm your payment.

Some people are also offered discounted membership rates through their employer, union, or organization. If you think you may be part of a group that gets a discount, you can ask about it when you renew, or call Member Services to see whether a lower rate is available to you. Discounted memberships renew through the same online process and cost less than standard membership.

When your new membership card will arrive

After you renew online, you will receive a confirmation email right away with your new membership number and temporary card information. Your physical membership card will be mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you need to use your membership benefits before your card arrives, you can use the membership number from your confirmation email or account dashboard.

If your new card does not arrive within three weeks, or if it arrives damaged, contact AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 and they can send you a replacement. You do not need to wait for the physical card to start using your membership — your benefits are active as soon as your renewal is processed.

Renewing by phone or mail if you prefer not to use the website

If you do not want to renew online, you can renew by phone by calling AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the process and take your payment information over the phone. This usually takes about ten minutes. You can also renew by mail — AARP sends renewal notices to members whose membership is about to expire, and you can fill out the form and mail it back with a check or money order.

Phone renewal is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. If you choose to renew by mail, allow extra time for your renewal form to arrive and be processed — this method usually takes two to three weeks from the time you mail it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AARP membership before it expires?

Yes. You can renew at any time, even if your membership still has months left. When you renew early, your new membership year is added to your current one, so you do not lose any time. This is a good option if you want to take advantage of a promotional rate or straightforward prefer to renew ahead of time.

What if I forget my password for my AARP account?

On the AARP login page, click "Forgot your password?" and enter your email address. AARP will send you a link to reset your password. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you still cannot reset your password, call Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 and they can help you regain access to your account.

Do I have to renew online, or can I do it another way?

You can renew online, by phone, or by mail — whichever works best for you. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about five minutes. Phone renewal takes about ten minutes and is available during business hours. Mail renewal is slowest but requires no phone call or internet access.

What if my address has changed since I last renewed?

Update your address in your AARP account before you renew online, or tell the representative when you renew by phone. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the renewal form. Make sure your address is correct so your new membership card arrives at the right place.

Is there a penalty for renewing late if my membership has expired?

No. You can renew at any time after your membership expires with no penalty or fee. Your new membership year will begin on the date you renew, and you will have full access to all AARP benefits and discounts once your renewal is processed.