You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail in about five minutes

AARP membership starts with a one-time payment of $16 per year for a single membership, or $27 for a household membership that covers two people at the same address. You do not need to be retired to join — you only need to be 50 or older. The fastest way to sign up is through AARP's website, where you can complete the process and pay by credit card in under five minutes. If you prefer to join by phone, call 1-888-687-2277 and a representative will walk you through it. You can also mail in a paper form, though this takes longer.

When you join, AARP sends you a membership card by mail within two to three weeks. Your membership becomes active when ready after you pay, even while you wait for the physical card to arrive. You can start using your member benefits — discounts at retailers, access to AARP Magazine, and the member website — right away using your membership number, which you receive by email or can see on your account online.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for one person or $27 per year for two people at the same address, and you must be 50 or older.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a paper form — online is fastest.
  • Your membership is active when ready after payment, though your physical card arrives in two to three weeks.
  • You will receive your membership number by email or can view it in your online account as soon as you finish signing up.

What you need to have ready before you start

Before you begin the sign-up process, gather your date of birth, email address, and mailing address. You will also need a way to pay — AARP accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards online. If you are joining by phone, you can also pay by check or money order, though the representative will mail you an invoice first and your membership does not start until payment arrives.

If you are signing up for a household membership, have the second person's name and date of birth ready as well. Both people do not need to be present to join — one person can sign up on behalf of both, as long as you provide the other person's information and they are at least 50 years old and live at the same address.

Step-by-step: joining online

Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" or "Membership" link, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you will see options for single or household membership. Select which one you want and click "Join Now."

On the next page, enter your date of birth to confirm you are 50 or older. Then fill in your first name, last name, email address, and mailing address. For a household membership, enter the second person's name and date of birth as well. Review the information for accuracy — AARP uses this to send your card and set up your account.

Choose your payment method and enter your card details. You will see the total cost ($16 or $27) before you confirm. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with your membership number. Save this number — you can use it when ready to access member discounts and the AARP website, even before your physical card arrives.

Joining by phone or mail

To join by phone, call 1-888-687-2277 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will ask for your name, date of birth, email, and mailing address. They will explain your membership options and process your payment. If you want to pay by check or money order, they will mail you an invoice — your membership starts when AARP receives and deposits your payment, which typically takes one to two weeks.

To join by mail, read the membership form from aarp.org or call 1-888-687-2277 to request one. Fill in your name, date of birth, address, and email. Include a check or money order for $16 (single) or $27 (household) made payable to AARP. Mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after AARP receives it, and your membership starts when your payment clears.

What happens after you join

Within 24 hours of signing up online or by phone, you will receive an email with your membership number and a link to set up your online account. Use this number to log in to aarp.org and access member-only content, manage your account, and view your membership details. You can also use your membership number at retailers and restaurants that offer AARP discounts — some ask for your card, others just need the number.

Your physical membership card arrives by mail in two to three weeks. In the meantime, you can show the confirmation email on your phone or print it to prove membership if a business asks. AARP also sends you a welcome packet with information about member benefits, discounts, and how to use your membership. Your membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary unless you cancel it.

Canceling or pausing your membership

If you want to cancel your membership, log into your account on aarp.org, go to "Membership" or "Account Settings," and select "Cancel Membership." You can also call 1-888-687-2277 and ask a representative to cancel for you. AARP does not offer refunds for the membership fee, even if you cancel partway through the year. Your membership remains active until your renewal date unless you cancel before that date.

AARP does not offer a pause or temporary suspension option. If you want to stop your membership for a time and rejoin later, you will need to cancel and then sign up again when you are ready. When you rejoin, you will pay the current membership fee and receive a new membership number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. AARP membership is open to anyone in that age group, whether you are still working, retired, or anything in between.

Can I use my membership number before my card arrives?

Yes. Your membership number is active when ready after you pay, and you can use it at stores and restaurants that offer AARP discounts. You can show the confirmation email on your phone or print it if a business asks for proof of membership.

What if I want to add a second person to my membership later?

You will need to upgrade to a household membership. Log into your account on aarp.org, go to your membership settings, and look for an upgrade option. Or call 1-888-687-2277 and ask a representative to add a household member. You will pay the difference between your current membership fee and the household rate.

Does AARP membership auto-renew?

Yes. Your membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary. AARP will charge your payment method on file. You can turn off auto-renewal in your account settings on aarp.org if you do not want to renew.

What if I move after I join?

Update your address in your account on aarp.org or call 1-888-687-2277. AARP uses your mailing address to send renewal notices and other materials. Updating it ensures you receive everything on time.