What happens when you join AARP

AARP membership begins the moment you pay the annual fee—there is no waiting period or approval process. You choose how to join (online, by phone, or by mail), pay the membership cost, and within days you receive a membership card and access to the member website. You do not need to meet any requirements beyond being 50 or older and a U.S. resident.

Once you are a member, you gain access to discounts at retailers and restaurants, subscription access to AARP Magazine, the ability to join local chapters, and information resources on health, caregiving, and retirement planning. You can also use the member portal to manage your account, update your contact information, and view your membership status.

Membership is not tied to any government program or benefit. AARP is a nonprofit organization, and joining does not change your Social Security, Medicare, or other government benefits. It is straightforward a membership organization with its own perks and resources.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older and a U.S. resident to join AARP; there is no other may be able to access requirement.
  • Membership costs a flat annual fee, which you can pay online, by phone, or by mail when you join.
  • Your membership card arrives within days, and you can start using discounts and accessing member resources when ready.
  • Joining AARP does not affect your Social Security, Medicare, or any government benefits.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund within a certain window if you change your mind.

How to join online

The online route is the fastest. Go to the AARP website, click the join button, and enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address. You will be asked to create a username and password for your member account. Then you choose your membership term (usually one year) and payment method—credit card, debit card, or digital wallet.

After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation email with your membership number. Your physical membership card ships separately and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can log into the member website when ready using your username and password, even before the card arrives.

How to join by phone

Call AARP's membership line and a representative will walk you through the process. You will provide the same information—name, date of birth, address, email—and give your payment details over the phone. The representative can answer questions about membership benefits and discounts while you are on the call.

Phone membership takes longer than online because the card must be mailed to you, but some people prefer speaking to someone directly. Ask the representative for your membership number before you hang up so you can start using discounts right away, even if your card has not arrived.

How to join by mail

AARP publishes membership forms in magazines and sends them to people who receive direct mail. You fill out the form with your name, date of birth, address, and email, enclose a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. This method is slowest—it can take two to three weeks for your process to be processed and your card to arrive.

If you receive a form in the mail and want to join this way, follow the instructions on the form exactly. Make sure your check is made out to AARP and includes the correct amount. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

What to expect after you join

Within a few days of joining, you will receive a welcome email with your membership number, instructions for logging into the member portal, and a list of current discounts. Your membership card arrives separately by mail. You can use your membership number to access discounts at participating retailers before the physical card arrives.

AARP will begin sending you the member magazine (usually monthly), emails about member benefits and events, and invitations to join local chapters in your area. You can manage how often you hear from AARP and what topics they contact you about by adjusting your communication preferences in your member account.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date unless you cancel. AARP will send you a renewal notice before your membership expires, and you can renew online, by phone, or by mail.

Managing your membership account

Log into the AARP member portal using your username and password to view your membership status, update your address or email, change your password, and manage your communication preferences. You can also read your membership card from the portal if you lose the physical one.

If you move, update your address in your account as soon as possible so your renewal notices and magazine arrive at the correct location. If you change your email address, update that too so you do not miss member alerts and discount notifications.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by logging into your account, calling the membership line, or sending a written request by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, your fee is not refunded, but your membership ends on the date you request.

If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can do so at any time. There is no penalty for canceling and rejoining, and you will 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. You can be working full-time, part-time, or retired. Your employment status does not matter.

What if I turn 50 before the end of the year—can I join now?

Yes. You can join AARP in the month you turn 50 or any time after. You do not have to wait until your birthday has passed.

Can I give an AARP membership as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a membership for someone else by providing their name, date of birth, and mailing address during the join process. The recipient will receive their own membership card and can set up their account using the membership number on the card.

Does AARP membership cost the same every year?

The annual fee can change from year to year, and AARP sometimes offers promotional rates for new members. Check the current price on the AARP website or ask when you call. Your renewal notice will show the cost before you are charged.

What happens if I do not use my membership?

Nothing. Your membership remains active as long as you pay the annual fee. You do not have to use any discounts or resources to keep your membership. You can cancel anytime if you decide it is not worth it to you.