You must be 50 or older to become an AARP member

AARP membership begins at age 50. You do not have to be retired, and you do not have to be collecting Social Security. If you turn 50 this year, you can join whenever your birthday arrives. There is no upper age limit — members stay in AARP for life if they choose.

The membership fee is currently $16 per year for a single membership, though AARP occasionally runs promotional rates for new members. Once you join, you receive a membership card, access to AARP's website and magazine, and may be able to access for discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies that partner with AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP, regardless of whether you are retired or receiving Social Security.
  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes a card, magazine, website access, and may be able to access for member discounts.
  • You can join online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form from AARP's website.
  • AARP offers different membership tiers and occasionally discounts the first year for new members.
  • Your membership remains active as long as you pay the annual fee; there is no age at which membership ends.

How to join once you reach 50

You can join AARP in three ways: online at AARP.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing in a membership form. The online route is fastest — you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay the membership fee by credit card or debit card. Your membership becomes active when ready, and you can read your digital membership card right away.

If you prefer to call, a representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. By mail, you fill out the form available on AARP's website, include a check or money order, and send it to the address listed on the form. Mail processing takes longer — typically two to three weeks.

What happens before you turn 50

If you are 49 and approaching your 50th birthday, you can join on the day you turn 50. AARP does not allow early membership or pre-joining. Some people choose to join right away once they reach 50; others wait until they want to use a specific discount or benefit.

If you are younger than 50 and interested in AARP content or resources, AARP publishes some articles and guides on its website that anyone can read without membership. You can also sign up for AARP's email newsletter to stay informed about topics relevant to people in their 40s and 50s.

AARP membership tiers and what they include

AARP offers a standard membership at $16 per year. Some people choose to upgrade to AARP Premium membership, which costs more and includes additional benefits such as discounts on health and wellness products, travel deals, and access to AARP's legal services network. AARP also offers a household membership option that covers two people at the same address for a higher annual fee.

All membership levels include the AARP Magazine, access to AARP.org, the member discount program, and AARP's advocacy work on issues affecting people 50 and older. The differences between tiers mainly involve the scope of discounts and add-on services rather than core membership benefits.

Discounts available to AARP members

AARP members receive discounts at major retailers including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Walgreens. Hotels such as Choice Hotels, Marriott, and Hilton offer reduced rates for AARP members. Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget provide member discounts. Restaurant chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and Olive Garden offer discounts on meals.

The discount amounts vary by company and change over time. Some discounts are automatic when you show your AARP card; others require you to mention your membership or use a code when booking online. AARP's website has a searchable discount directory where you can look up current offers by category or company name.

Renewing your membership each year

AARP membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date, and AARP charges your payment method on file. You will receive a renewal notice by mail and email before your renewal date. If you want to cancel your membership instead of renewing, you can do so by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your account on AARP.org.

If your payment method fails or is outdated, AARP will contact you to update it. If you do not update your payment information, your membership will lapse. You can rejoin at any time by paying the current annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old. You can join on your 50th birthday or any time after that, but not before.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are still working, retired, or anything in between. Your employment status does not affect your may be able to access.

What if I do not want to renew my membership after the first year?

You can cancel your membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or logging into your account on AARP.org and canceling before your renewal date. You will not be charged for the next year, and your membership will end on the anniversary date.

Can someone else pay my AARP membership for me?

Yes. A family member or friend can pay your membership fee for you. You will still need to provide your own name, date of birth, and address when joining, but the payment can come from another person's credit card or check.

Is there an age limit for AARP membership?

No. Once you join at 50, you can remain a member for life as long as you pay the annual renewal fee. There is no maximum age at which membership ends or changes.