You must be 50 or older to join AARP

AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 65, 80, or any age after that. Once you turn 50, you become may be able to access to join at any time.

If you are not yet 50, you cannot hold an AARP membership in your own name. Some people under 50 have access to AARP benefits through a spouse or household member who is 50 or older, but this varies by benefit type and is not standard across all AARP programs.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and older, with no maximum age limit.
  • You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail, and membership begins when ready after payment is processed.
  • Annual membership costs around $16, though promotional rates are often available for new members.
  • Membership benefits include discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to AARP's health and caregiving resources.
  • If you are under 50, you cannot join as a primary member, but some household benefits may extend to you if a family member is a member.

How to join AARP when you turn 50

You can join AARP as soon as you turn 50. The easiest way is online at aarp.org — you will need to create an account, provide your birth date to confirm your age, and pay the membership fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your membership is active right away.

You can also join by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or by mail using a form from AARP's website. Phone representatives can answer questions about membership benefits before you commit, which is helpful if you are unsure whether AARP is right for you. Mail applications take longer to process — usually two to three weeks.

AARP frequently offers promotional rates for new members, such as the first year at a reduced price. Check the homepage or call before joining to see what current offers are available, since these change throughout the year.

What happens if you join before you are 50

AARP will not process a membership process if you are under 50. If you attempt to join online and enter a birth date that makes you younger than 50, the system will reject your process and ask you to try again when you are may be able to access.

If you are close to turning 50 — within a few weeks — you can wait until your birthday and then join. There is no penalty for joining later, and you will not miss out on any benefits by waiting a short time.

Membership costs and what is included

Annual AARP membership costs approximately $16 per year for standard membership. This is the base rate, though promotional pricing for new members may be lower — sometimes as low as $1 for the first year. Renewal rates are also sometimes discounted if you renew online.

Your membership includes access to AARP Magazine, the AARP website with health and caregiving articles, and a members-only section with discounts on insurance products, travel bookings, dining, and retail purchases. Many members use the pharmacy discount program and the car rental discounts most frequently. Specific discounts vary by location and partner company.

AARP also offers supplemental products you can purchase separately, such as health insurance plans, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. These are optional and cost extra beyond the base membership fee.

Renewing your membership each year

AARP membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary date. You will receive a renewal notice by mail or email (depending on your preference) about 30 days before your renewal date, with instructions on how to renew and the cost.

You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the renewal notice. If you do not want to renew, you can cancel your membership at any time — there is no lock-in period or penalty for canceling. If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can do so when ready without waiting.

Special membership situations

If you are married or in a household with someone who is 50 or older and already an AARP member, you may be able to add a household member to the account. Household memberships allow a spouse or partner to receive some AARP benefits at a reduced additional cost — usually around $8 to $12 per year. However, the primary member must be 50 or older, and the household member must live at the same address.

Some AARP benefits, such as certain insurance products or discounts, may not extend to household members. Check with AARP directly about which specific benefits explore to your situation if you are considering a household membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP at 49 if my birthday is coming up soon?

No, AARP requires you to be 50 at the time you join. The online system checks your birth date and will not allow you to complete a membership if you are under 50. You can join as soon as you turn 50 — there is no waiting period after your birthday.

What if I was born on the last day of the month — do I join on that date or the next day?

You become 50 on your 50th birthday, regardless of the date or time. AARP's system will recognize your may be able to access starting on that calendar date. If you try to join before midnight on your birthday, the system may reject you; if you try after, it should accept you.

Do I have to join AARP to get senior discounts?

No. Many retailers, restaurants, and service providers offer senior discounts to anyone over a certain age — often 55, 60, or 65 — without requiring AARP membership. AARP membership gives you access to additional discounts through AARP's partner network, but it is not the only way to find senior pricing.

Can my adult child under 50 use my AARP membership to get discounts?

Most AARP discounts are tied to your membership card or account and cannot be transferred to someone else. Some retailers may honor a discount if a household member presents your card, but this is not may provide. Check with the specific business or AARP about whether discounts extend to non-members in your household.

What if I turn 50 but do not want to join AARP right away?

You can join AARP at any point after you turn 50 — there is no important date or time limit. You can wait months or years and join whenever you decide the membership is worth it to you. There is no penalty for joining later rather than sooner.