How to join AARP

You can become an AARP member if you are 50 or older. The membership process takes about 10 minutes and can be done online, by phone, or by mail. Most people join online at aarp.org because it is the fastest route — you enter your name, address, and payment information, and your membership begins right away. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to join over the phone, or fill out a paper form and mail it in if you prefer.

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. Some people pay less through group discounts if they belong to certain employers or organizations. When you join, you choose whether to receive the AARP Magazine and AARP Bulletin (a newsletter about policy and health topics). Both are included in your membership at no extra cost, though you can decline them if you do not want them mailed to your home.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 for your first year, then $24 per year.
  • The fastest way to join is online at aarp.org, which takes about 10 minutes and activates your membership when ready.
  • You can also join by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or by mailing in a paper form if you do not have internet access.
  • Your membership includes access to AARP's website, discounts on insurance and travel, and optional print magazines.
  • Some employers and organizations offer group discounts on AARP membership, so ask your employer or union if one is available to you.

What you need to join online

To join AARP online, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method ready. You will need either a credit card, debit card, or bank account number to pay the membership fee. The website will ask for your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. You do not need to provide a credit card if you choose to pay by bank account transfer instead.

If you do not have internet access or are not comfortable entering payment information online, you can skip the online route entirely. Phone and mail options do not require you to use a computer.

Joining by phone or mail

To join by phone, call AARP at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership questions and take your payment information over the phone. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. AARP accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account information by phone. You can ask the representative any questions about membership benefits or discounts while you are on the call.

To join by mail, request a membership form by calling 1-888-687-2277 or visiting aarp.org and looking for the mailing address. Fill out the form with your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number, then mail it back with a check or money order for $16. Mail processing takes longer than online or phone — expect your membership to start two to three weeks after AARP receives your form.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can use your membership number (which appears on the card) right away to access AARP's website, even before the physical card arrives. Your membership number lets you log in to aarp.org to read articles, access health information, and look up discounts at pharmacies, hotels, and rental car companies.

AARP will send you the AARP Magazine (a monthly publication with health, money, and lifestyle articles) and the AARP Bulletin (a biweekly newsletter about policy and current events) unless you ask them not to. You can change your magazine preferences anytime by logging into your account on aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

Group discounts through your employer or organization

Some employers, unions, and professional organizations negotiate group rates on AARP membership. If your employer or union offers a group discount, the membership fee may be lower than the standard $16 first-year rate. Ask your human resources department or union representative whether AARP group membership is available to you. If it is, they can usually provide you with a code or a link to join at the discounted rate.

Group membership gives you the same benefits and access as individual membership — the only difference is the price. You still receive the magazine and bulletin, access to the website, and all discounts. Some large employers also offer AARP membership as part of their benefits package at no cost to the employee, though this is less common.

Renewing your membership

AARP will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your membership expires. The notice will include instructions for renewing online, by phone, or by mail. You can renew at any time before or after your membership expires — there is no penalty for renewing late. Most people renew online because it takes only a few minutes and you can do it anytime, day or night.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can renew by visiting aarp.org, calling 1-888-687-2277, or mailing in a form. Your membership number stays the same when you renew, so you do not lose any of your account history or saved information.

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 not working. Your employment status does not affect whether you can join or what benefits you receive.

Can I join AARP if I do not have a Social Security number?

AARP requires a Social Security number to verify your age and prevent duplicate memberships. If you do not have a Social Security number, call 1-888-687-2277 to discuss other ways you might be able to join.

What if I want to cancel my membership?

You can cancel anytime by calling 1-888-687-2277 or logging into your account on aarp.org. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refunded, but you can let your membership expire without renewing.

Can I give an AARP membership as a gift?

AARP does not offer gift memberships. However, you can tell someone about AARP and they can join themselves at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Some people buy a gift card or pay the first year's membership fee for someone else as a gesture, but the person must sign up in their own name.

Is there a senior discount on the membership fee itself?

AARP does not offer a lower membership fee based on age. The cost is $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that for all members. Your only option for a lower fee is through a group discount if your employer or organization offers one.