How to join AARP

You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail. The online route is fastest — you go to AARP's website, enter your name and birthdate, choose your membership type, and pay the annual fee. Most people finish in under five minutes. By phone, you call AARP's membership line and a representative walks you through the same steps. By mail, you print and mail a form with a check.

You must be 50 or older to join. AARP does not verify your age at signup — they ask for your birthdate and trust you. If you are younger than 50, you cannot become a member, though some employers and organizations offer AARP memberships to younger spouses of members.

The annual membership fee is $16 for the first year, then $16 per year after that. Some people pay for two or three years upfront at a discount. AARP occasionally runs promotions where the first year costs less, usually around $8 to $12, but the standard price is $16.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and membership costs $16 per year after the first year.
  • The fastest way to join is online at AARP's website, where you enter your name, birthdate, and payment information in about five minutes.
  • You can also join by phone or mail if you prefer not to use the website.
  • AARP membership gives you access to discounts on insurance, travel, restaurants, and retail, plus access to their magazine and online resources.
  • You do not need to prove your age at signup, but AARP may ask for verification later if you use age-restricted benefits.

Joining online step by step

Go to AARP.com and look for the "Join" or "Membership" button, usually at the top of the page. Click it and you will land on a page asking for your name, email address, and birthdate. Enter these details exactly as you want them to appear on your membership card.

Next, you choose your membership type. Standard membership is the most common option. Some people choose the "Spouse" option if they want a joint membership, though each person still pays the annual fee. After you choose, you enter your mailing address and select your payment method — credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Review your order, then submit payment. You will receive a confirmation email when ready with your membership number. Your physical membership card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can start using your membership number for discounts right away, even before the card arrives.

Joining by phone

Call AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will ask for your name, birthdate, email address, and mailing address. They will confirm the membership fee and ask how you want to pay — usually by credit card or debit card over the phone.

The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end. Your membership number will be emailed to you within a few hours, and your physical card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. This route is useful if you have questions during signup or prefer speaking to a person.

Joining by mail

AARP publishes membership forms in their magazine and on their website. You can also request a form by calling 1-888-687-2277 and asking them to mail one to you. Fill out the form with your name, birthdate, email, and mailing address. Include a check for $16 payable to AARP.

Mail the form and check to the address printed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the time AARP receives it. This is the slowest method, but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use a credit card.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you can log into AARP.com with your email address and membership number to access member-only discounts and resources. You will start receiving AARP Magazine, which comes to your home every other month. You can also read the AARP mobile app to find discounts near you and manage your membership.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your signup date. AARP will send you a renewal notice by email and mail about 30 days before your renewal date. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as your initial signup. If you want to cancel before renewal, you can do so anytime by calling 1-888-687-2277 or logging into your account online.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not use a nickname or shortened version of your name at signup. AARP matches your membership name to your identity when you use discounts, especially for insurance or travel. If your card says "Bob" but your insurance policy says "Robert," you may have trouble using the discount.

Do not assume your spouse is automatically added to your membership. Each person needs their own membership and pays their own fee, even if you are married. Some couples choose joint memberships, but that is a separate option you select at signup.

Do not ignore renewal notices. If your membership lapses, you lose access to discounts when ready. You can renew at any time, but there is no grace period. If you are unsure whether your membership is active, log into AARP.com or call 1-888-687-2277 to check.

If you have trouble signing up

If the website is not working or you get an error message, try a different web browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies. If that does not work, call 1-888-687-2277 and a representative can sign you up over the phone instead.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few hours of signing up online, check your spam folder. If it is not there, call the membership line and provide your name and email address so they can resend it. If you lose your membership number before your card arrives, you can find it in your confirmation email or by logging into AARP.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to prove I am 50 years old when I sign up?

No. AARP asks for your birthdate at signup but does not verify it. However, if you use age-restricted benefits like certain insurance products, AARP may ask for a copy of your driver's license or birth certificate to confirm your age before processing the benefit.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after joining?

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and decide membership is not for you within 30 days, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. Call 1-888-687-2277 or log into your account online to start a refund request.

What if I do not have a credit card to pay online?

You can join by phone using a debit card, or you can join by mail by sending a check. Both methods take longer than online signup, but they work if you do not have a credit card or prefer not to use one.

Can I change my membership information after I sign up?

Yes. Log into AARP.com and go to your account settings to update your name, email, mailing address, or payment method. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 and ask a representative to make changes for you.

Do I need to renew my membership every year?

Yes. Membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary date. AARP sends renewal notices by email and mail about 30 days before your renewal date. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as your initial signup.