You must be 50 years old to join AARP

AARP membership begins at age 50. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50 and remain a member for life. You do not need to wait until you turn 65 or become may be able to access for Medicare. The 50-year threshold is the only age requirement AARP enforces.

Membership is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. You will need a valid mailing address in the United States to complete the process. AARP does not require proof of age at the time you join, but you will be asked to provide your birth date during registration.

The cost of membership is typically $16 per year, though AARP occasionally runs promotional rates for new members. Once you join, you gain access to AARP's magazine, website resources, member discounts, and group insurance programs — some of which are only available to members 50 and older.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of employment status or retirement plans.
  • You do not have to be retired, on Medicare, or receiving Social Security to join at 50.
  • Annual membership costs around $16, with occasional discounts for first-time members.
  • Membership benefits include access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus AARP Magazine and online resources.
  • You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership can begin when ready after payment is processed.

What you can do as an AARP member before age 65

Many people assume AARP is only for retirees or people on Medicare, but the organization offers benefits to members in their 50s who are still working. These include discounts on car insurance, home insurance, and travel; access to AARP's job board for workers 50 and older; and educational resources on retirement planning, caregiving, and health topics.

AARP also offers group health insurance plans to members before they reach Medicare age. These are not Medicare plans — they are private insurance products underwritten by partner companies. Rates and coverage vary by state and by the specific plan. You can review options on AARP's website once you become a member.

Members also receive AARP Magazine six times per year and can access the AARP website, which contains articles, tools, and guides on topics ranging from caregiving to financial planning. Some content is free to the general public; other sections are restricted to members only.

How to join at 50

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by mail, or by calling 1-888-687-2277. The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need to provide your name, birth date, mailing address, email address, and payment information. AARP accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers.

After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Your membership card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can start using some member benefits — like accessing the website and viewing discounts — when ready after your membership is confirmed, even before your physical card arrives.

If you prefer to join by mail, you can request an process form by calling the number above or by visiting an AARP office in your area. A few states have local AARP offices where staff can help you complete the process in person, though this is not available everywhere.

The difference between age 50 and age 65 membership

AARP does not charge different rates or offer different core membership tiers based on age. A 50-year-old and a 75-year-old pay the same annual fee and have access to the same member discounts and publications. The main difference is in the types of insurance products available to you.

Before age 65, you may be offered AARP-branded health insurance plans that are not Medicare-related. These are supplemental or primary coverage options for people who are not yet on Medicare. Once you turn 65 and become may be able to access for Medicare, AARP offers Medigap (supplemental insurance) and Medicare Advantage plans instead.

AARP also offers life insurance, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance to members of all ages within the membership window. The specific products and rates available to you depend on your state, age, and health status — not on whether you joined at 50 or 65.

Common reasons people join before age 65

Many people join AARP in their 50s to take advantage of insurance discounts before they reach Medicare age. Car insurance discounts through AARP-partnered insurers can range from 5 to 25 percent depending on the company and your driving record. Home insurance discounts are also available through partner companies.

Others join for travel discounts, which include reduced rates at hotels, rental cars, and cruises. AARP negotiates group rates with major travel providers, and these discounts are available to members regardless of age. Some members also join to access AARP's job board, which lists positions specifically for workers 50 and older.

Caregivers in their 50s sometimes join to access AARP's caregiving resources and support community. The organization offers guides, webinars, and a caregiver helpline at no extra cost to members. These resources cover topics like managing a parent's finances, finding in-home care, and handling the emotional toll of caregiving.

What happens to your membership after 65

Your AARP membership does not change when you turn 65. You continue to pay the same annual fee and remain a member for as long as you renew. The membership itself is continuous — there is no separate "over 65" category or re-enrollment process.

What does change is the range of insurance products available to you. Once you are may be able to access for Medicare, AARP will begin offering you Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans in addition to or instead of the pre-Medicare health insurance options. You will receive information about these plans as you approach 65, but you are not required to purchase them.

Your access to discounts, AARP Magazine, and the website remains the same. Many members who joined at 50 continue their membership well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond without any change in how their membership works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP if I am still working full-time?

Yes. AARP membership has no employment requirements. You can be working full-time, part-time, or retired and still join at 50. Your employment status does not affect your membership or the benefits you receive.

Do I need to be on Medicare to join AARP?

No. You can join AARP at 50 without being on Medicare. Most people do not become may be able to access for Medicare until age 65. AARP membership and Medicare may be able to access are separate — one does not depend on the other.

What if I turn 50 but am not sure I want to join yet?

You can join whenever you decide it makes sense for you. There is no penalty for joining later, and you do not lose any benefits by waiting. However, some discounts — particularly on insurance — may be easier to use if you join before you need them.

Can my spouse join AARP if they are younger than 50?

No. Each person must be 50 or older to hold their own AARP membership. A spouse under 50 cannot join, even if their partner is a member. However, once they turn 50, they can join at the standard rate.

Is there a difference in cost if I join at 50 versus joining at 65?

No. The annual membership fee is the same regardless of the age at which you join. AARP does not charge more or less based on when you become a member, as long as you are 50 or older.