AARP membership starts at age 50

You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 65, 80, or any age after that. The membership itself does not change based on how old you are; a 55-year-old member and an 85-year-old member have access to the same programs, discounts, and resources.

You do not need to be retired to join. AARP membership is open whether you are still working full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your ability to become a member or the benefits available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP; there is no maximum age.
  • Working or retired status does not matter — employment does not affect membership.
  • Your spouse or partner does not need to be 50 to live in a household with an AARP member, but they cannot use your membership card for discounts.
  • AARP membership is individual; each person who wants member benefits must have their own membership.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership typically begins within days of sign-up.

What happens if you are under 50

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP as a regular member. However, some people under 50 may be able to join through a workplace or group membership if their employer or organization has partnered with AARP. Check with your employer's benefits office to see whether this option is available to you.

If you do not have access to a group membership, you can still read AARP's public articles and resources on their website without joining. You will not have access to member-only discounts, publications, or programs, but informational content is available to anyone.

Household membership and family members

AARP membership is individual — each person who wants to use member benefits must have their own membership. You cannot share a membership card with a spouse, adult child, or anyone else in your household, even if you pay for their membership.

If your spouse or partner is under 50, they cannot join AARP directly. They can live in your household and benefit from household changes you make (for example, if you use an AARP-recommended home modification service), but they cannot present an AARP card for discounts or attend member-only events. If they are 50 or older, they can join with their own separate membership.

When to join if you are turning 50 soon

You can join AARP starting on the date you turn 50. Some people join a few weeks before their 50th birthday to have membership active on the day they reach that age. When you join, you will need to provide your birth date, and AARP will verify that you meet the age requirement before processing your membership.

There is no penalty or waiting period if you join after you turn 50. Whether you join at 50, 55, or 70, you get the same membership and the same access to programs and discounts. Many people join years after turning 50 when they first learn about a specific AARP program or discount they want to use.

How membership works across states

AARP membership is national — when you join, you are a member in all 50 states and U.S. territories. You do not need separate memberships for different states, and your membership does not change if you move. Some AARP programs and discounts are available nationwide, while others vary by state or region, but your membership card and member status remain the same no matter where you live.

If you move to a different state, contact AARP to update your address so you receive mail and information for your new location. Your membership itself does not need to be renewed or changed — only your contact information needs updating.

Renewing membership and staying current

AARP membership is typically annual. You will receive a renewal notice before your membership expires, usually a few weeks in advance. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the renewal notice. Renewing is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

If your membership lapses, you can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership fee. There is no gap penalty or re-qualification process — you straightforward rejoin as you did the first time. Your age will still be verified, but as long as you are 50 or older, you will be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP if I am 49 and will turn 50 in a few weeks?

You must wait until you turn 50 to join. Some people join a few weeks before their birthday to have membership ready on their 50th birthday, but you will need to provide your birth date and AARP will verify you have reached 50 before processing the membership.

Does AARP membership cost the same for everyone?

AARP membership has a standard annual fee that applies to all members regardless of age. The fee does not change based on whether you are 50 or 90. Discounts on the membership fee may be available through group memberships, employer programs, or promotional offers, so it is worth asking if your workplace or organization has a partnership with AARP.

What if I was a member before and let my membership lapse?

You can rejoin AARP at any time by paying the current membership fee. There is no waiting period or penalty for rejoining. Your age will be verified again, but as long as you are 50 or older, you will be accepted when ready.

Can my adult child use my AARP membership card?

No. AARP membership is individual, and membership cards cannot be shared. If your adult child is 50 or older, they can join with their own membership. If they are under 50, they cannot join unless they have access to a workplace or group membership through their employer.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to join AARP?

You must be a U.S. resident to join AARP, though citizenship is not explicitly required. You will need a valid mailing address in the United States. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact AARP directly — their membership team can answer whether your residency status qualifies you to join.