You become an AARP member by paying the annual membership fee — there is no process process or may be able to access check

AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and older. You do not need to meet income requirements, pass a background check, or prove anything about your health or work history. You pay a one-time annual fee (currently $16 per year, though this varies by promotion and membership tier), and you are a member. That is the entire process.

You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form sent to you. Online is the fastest route — membership typically begins within a few days. By phone or mail, allow one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership requires only that you be 50 or older and pay an annual fee; there is no background check, income test, or formal process.
  • The standard membership fee is $16 per year, though promotional rates and multi-year discounts are often available.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail; online membership usually starts within a few days.
  • Membership includes access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus AARP Magazine and access to member resources on health and caregiving.
  • You can cancel anytime and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.

What you get with a standard AARP membership

Your membership gives you access to discounts negotiated with hundreds of businesses and services. These include discounts on car insurance (through partners like The Hartford and Allstate), hotel chains, rental car companies, restaurants, and retail stores. The discounts vary by location and partner, so what is available to you depends partly on where you live.

You also receive AARP Magazine six times a year, which covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people over 50. Online, you can access AARP's resource library on topics like caregiving, retirement planning, Social Security, Medicare, and managing chronic conditions. These are written for a general audience, not as personal financial or medical information.

Membership includes access to AARP's online community forums, where members discuss health, hobbies, and local events. Some local AARP chapters also host in-person events, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops, though availability depends on your area.

Different membership tiers and what they cost

AARP offers a standard membership at $16 per year. They also periodically offer promotional rates — sometimes as low as $8 or $12 for the first year — which you may see advertised online or in the mail.

A premium membership tier exists at a higher annual cost (pricing varies by year and promotion) and includes additional benefits such as access to AARP's tax preparation service (AARP Tax-Aide) and discounts on legal services. Not all members need premium membership; most discounts and resources are available to standard members.

AARP also offers a joint membership option for couples, which costs slightly more than a single membership but covers both spouses. Both people must be 50 or older.

How to join online, by phone, or by mail

Online: Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" or "Membership" link on the homepage. You will enter your name, date of birth, address, and email. You will choose your membership type (standard or premium) and pay by credit card or debit card. Membership usually begins within three to five business days, and you will receive a confirmation email with your membership number.

By phone: Call 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your membership number when ready and a confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.

By mail: If you receive a membership invitation in the mail, you can fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it back in the prepaid envelope. Processing takes one to two weeks from the time AARP receives it. You will receive a membership card and welcome packet by mail.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you will receive a membership card in the mail (usually within one to two weeks). Your membership number will be on the card and in your confirmation email. You use this number to access member discounts at participating retailers and to log into aarp.org.

AARP will begin sending you AARP Magazine and may send you promotional materials about other AARP products and services, such as insurance or travel packages. You can manage your communication preferences on aarp.org under account settings if you want to reduce the amount of mail or email you receive.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date, and AARP will charge your payment method on file. You can turn off auto-renewal anytime through your account settings or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

Canceling your membership and getting a refund

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time. If you cancel within 12 months of joining, AARP will refund the unused portion of your membership fee. For example, if you paid $16 for a full year and cancel after four months, you would receive a refund for the remaining eight months.

To cancel, log into your account on aarp.org and go to account settings, or call 1-888-687-2277 and ask to cancel. You do not need to provide a reason. The refund is usually processed within two to four weeks and returned to the payment method you used to join.

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 anything in between. Your employment status does not matter.

Can I give an AARP membership as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a gift membership on aarp.org or by phone. The recipient will receive a welcome packet and membership card. The membership is theirs to manage, and they can update their contact information and communication preferences once they receive it.

What if I lose my membership card?

You can request a replacement card on aarp.org under account settings, or call 1-888-687-2277. A new card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can also use your membership number (found in your confirmation email or account page) to access discounts without the physical card.

Does AARP membership cover my spouse if we are married?

Only if you purchase a joint membership. A standard single membership covers only the person whose name is on the account. If your spouse is also 50 or older and wants member discounts, you would need to add them as a joint member or purchase a separate membership.

Can I join AARP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older living in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. You will need a valid U.S. mailing address to join.