You must be 50 years old to join AARP

AARP membership begins at age 50. You do not have to wait until 65, retirement, or any other milestone — the moment you turn 50, you can join. There is no upper age limit; members range from 50 to over 100.

The 50-year threshold is set by AARP itself, not by any government rule. AARP is a private membership organization, so it decides who can join. This age is lower than Medicare may be able to access (65) and Social Security full retirement age (which varies by birth year but starts at 66 for people born in 1943 or later).

You do not need to prove your age when you join online or by phone — AARP will verify your birth date against public records during the sign-up process. If you are joining by mail, you may need to provide a copy of a government-issued ID or birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and older, regardless of employment or retirement status.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership typically costs between $12 and $16 per year depending on the offer.
  • AARP membership includes access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus a magazine and online resources.
  • Turning 50 is the only age requirement; you do not need to be retired, on Medicare, or collecting Social Security.
  • AARP will verify your age using public records, so you do not need to submit documents unless you join by mail.

What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership includes a magazine (AARP Magazine, published six times per year), access to the AARP website with health and financial articles, and a member card. The card unlocks discounts at thousands of retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies. Common discounts include 10 to 15 percent off at chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and Best Western, though the exact discount varies by business and location.

Members also receive information about AARP's insurance products: health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance. AARP does not sell these directly; instead, it partners with insurance companies and negotiates group rates for members. You can browse these options on the AARP website or by phone, but you are not required to purchase anything.

The membership also includes access to AARP's online tools for financial planning, health tracking, and caregiver support. These are free to members and do not require a separate sign-up.

How to join AARP

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online is the fastest route — the process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your name, date of birth, address, email, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).

By phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and can answer questions about membership benefits. The call typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

If you join by mail, you will receive an process form in the mail or can print one from the AARP website. Mail it back with a check or money order, along with a copy of your birth certificate or government-issued ID to verify your age. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.

Membership is annual and renews automatically unless you cancel. You will receive a renewal notice by email or mail before your membership expires, and you can renew online, by phone, or by mail.

Cost of AARP membership

Standard AARP membership costs between $12 and $16 per year. The exact price depends on the current promotion — AARP frequently offers discounted first-year rates or bundled offers. When you start the sign-up process online or by phone, you will see the current price before you pay.

Some employers and organizations offer AARP membership as a group benefit, which may reduce the cost further or cover it entirely. If your employer or union offers this, you can join through that program instead of paying individually.

AARP also offers a premium membership tier called AARP Premium Plus, which costs more (typically $30 to $40 per year) and includes additional benefits like roadside information and extended discounts. Most members use the standard membership.

Membership before age 50

If you are younger than 50, you cannot join AARP directly. However, AARP offers a separate membership for people ages 18 to 49 called AARP Membership for Younger Adults, though this is less common and not widely promoted. Contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 to ask whether this option is currently available.

Some people in their 40s join AARP through a spouse's membership or through an employer group plan, but the primary account holder must be 50 or older.

What happens after you join

After you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can start using your membership benefits when ready — many discounts are available online or by showing your membership number at participating businesses, even before your physical card arrives.

AARP will send you a welcome email with your membership number and instructions for accessing the member website. You can log in to view your account, update your information, manage your membership, and explore discounts and resources.

You will also begin receiving AARP Magazine and periodic emails about member benefits, health topics, and AARP events. You can adjust your email preferences in your account settings if you want to receive fewer messages.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time. Contact AARP by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or log into your account online and select the option to cancel. You do not need a reason to cancel, and AARP will not charge you for the following year.

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 still cancel to prevent future charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP if I'm still working?

Yes. AARP membership has no employment requirement. You can join at 50 whether you are working full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired. Many members join while still in their careers to start using discounts and accessing AARP's resources.

Do I need to be on Medicare or Social Security to join?

No. You do not need to be enrolled in Medicare, collecting Social Security, or retired in any way. The only requirement is that you are 50 or older. You can join AARP years before you become may be able to access for either program.

Can someone else sign up for AARP on my behalf?

No. You must sign up yourself using your own name and date of birth. AARP verifies your identity during the sign-up process. If you need help with the process, you can call 1-888-687-2277 and a representative can guide you through it step by step.

Is AARP membership the same in every state?

The basic membership and national benefits are the same everywhere. However, some state and local AARP chapters offer additional programs, events, and resources specific to your area. When you join, you can explore what your local chapter offers on the AARP website.

What if I turn 50 while traveling or living abroad?

You can join AARP from anywhere with an internet connection or by phone. You will need a U.S. mailing address to receive your membership card and magazine, but you can use a family member's address or a mail forwarding service if you are abroad temporarily.