Did not receive AARP card.? Here’s What You Can Do

Millions of older adults rely on AARP benefits, but a small percentage of new and renewing members experience a delay in receiving their physical membership card. If you're a member who did not receive AARP card, you have several fast and easy options to access your benefits immediately and get a replacement.

Quick Summary

If your physical AARP card hasn't arrived, you can get instant access to your membership benefits by logging into your AARP online account and accessing a digital or printable version. You can also request a new card be mailed to you directly from your account or by contacting AARP’s customer service.

Key Points

• Access Digital Card: Instantly access your AARP card via the AARP Now app or by adding it to your Apple Wallet through your online account.

• Print a Copy: You can easily print a copy of your membership card at home by logging into your account on the AARP website.

• Order a Replacement: From the "My Account" section of the AARP website, you can request a new physical card be mailed to you.

• Check Your Address: Before requesting a new card, ensure your mailing address is up-to-date in your AARP online account.

• Contact Customer Service: If self-service options fail or you have complex issues, contact AARP's customer service via phone, chat, or the online community for assistance.

Reasons for a Missing AARP Card

There are several common reasons why your physical AARP card may not have arrived in the mail. Understanding the potential cause can help you decide the best course of action.

• Recent Membership Enrollment or Renewal: It typically takes up to four weeks for a new or renewed card to arrive by mail. If you have joined or renewed recently, your card may still be in transit.
• Administrative Delays: AARP, like any large organization, can sometimes experience processing or mailing delays, which they will often communicate on their website if they are significant.
• Incorrect Mailing Address: The card might have been sent to an old or incorrect address on file. This can happen if you have recently moved and forgotten to update your information with AARP.
• Lost in the Mail: The card may have been lost or stolen during postal transit. While unfortunate, this is a possibility with any mailed item.
• Email Communication Issues: For digital membership, the email containing your card information might have been blocked by a spam filter or sent to an old email address.

Instant Solutions: Accessing Your Digital AARP Card

While you wait for a replacement physical card, you can get instant access to your membership benefits through your AARP online account.

How to get your Digital Card using the AARP Now App

1. Download the App: Download the AARP Now app from the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.
2. Log In or Create an Account: Open the app and log in with your AARP online credentials. If you don't have an online account, you can create one for free directly within the app.
3. Access Your Card: Your digital membership card will be accessible within the app, ready to be used for discounts and benefits.

How to Add your Digital Card to Apple Wallet

1. Log In Online: Using your iPhone, go to aarp.org/digitalcard and log into your AARP online account.
2. Add to Wallet: Tap the “Add to Apple Wallet” icon on the page.
3. Confirm: Tap the “Add” button in the top right corner of your screen to save it.

How to Print Your Card at Home

1. Log In Online: Visit aarp.org and log into your online account.
2. Go to My Account: Click on your name in the top-right corner, then select My Account.
3. Find the Card Image: Locate the image of your membership card under the "My AARP" tab.
4. Print Your Card: Click the Print Card button to generate a printable copy of your membership card.

Requesting a Replacement AARP Card by Mail

If you prefer to have a new physical card sent to you, you can request one easily through your online account. This is also the best option if you suspect your address is incorrect or has recently changed.

1. Log In to Your Account: Sign in to your AARP account online.
2. Navigate to My Account: Go to the "My AARP" section.
3. Request a Mailed Card: Click the Mail Card button below the image of your membership card.
4. Confirm Your Address: Verify that your mailing address is correct and confirm the request. A new card should arrive within four weeks.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if You Still Have Problems

If you've followed the steps above and are still having trouble, or if you did not receive AARP card and need immediate assistance, AARP provides several ways to get help.

AARP Customer Service vs. Online Account Management

Feature	AARP Online Account	AARP Customer Service
Speed	Instant access via app or print	Can be faster than waiting for mail
Convenience	Available 24/7 from anywhere	Limited to phone and chat hours
Issue Types	Simple fixes: print, mail, check status	Complex issues: incorrect info, membership problems
Resolution	Self-service, instant gratification	Human-assisted, personalized help
Prerequisites	Requires online account creation	Requires phone call or chat interaction

When to Contact AARP Customer Service

Contact AARP directly if:

• It has been more than four weeks since you requested your original card.
• You cannot log in to your online account and need assistance resetting your password.
• You need to change your address and want to ensure it's correct for the replacement card.
• You have other issues with your membership that cannot be resolved online.

How to Contact AARP Customer Service

• Phone: Call 1-888-687-2277 (888-OUR-AARP) for help during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
• Live Chat: Use the chat feature on the AARP Help Center website for real-time assistance during business hours.
• Online Community: Post your question in the AARP online community forums for help from other members or AARP representatives.

Conclusion

Not receiving your physical AARP card can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to keep you from enjoying your membership benefits. By utilizing the digital and printing options available through your AARP online account, you can get instant access to your membership. For more complex issues or to confirm a replacement, the AARP customer service team is readily available. Remember, the key is to take action quickly so you can continue to enjoy the resources and discounts AARP offers. For further assistance and official information, you can always visit the AARP Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I did not receive my AARP card?

If you did not receive AARP card, you can immediately access a digital version through the AARP Now app or your online account. You can also print a temporary card or request a new physical card to be mailed.

How long does it take for a new AARP card to arrive?

It can take up to four weeks for a new AARP membership card to arrive by mail after joining or renewing. Some processing delays may occur, so using the digital card is recommended while you wait.

Can I use a digital version of my AARP card?

Yes, you can use a digital version of your AARP card, which is available through the AARP Now app for smartphones. Many retailers and service providers accept the digital card for discounts.

How do I check the status of my AARP card request?

You can check your membership status and view your digital card by logging into your account on the AARP website or via the AARP Now app. AARP may also provide tracking information if a significant mailing delay has occurred.

What if my address with AARP is incorrect?

If your address is incorrect, log into your AARP online account and update your personal information. After updating, you can request a replacement card be mailed to the correct address.

Is there a fee for a replacement AARP card?

No, AARP will replace lost, stolen, or damaged membership cards free of charge. You can order a new card via your online account or by contacting customer service.

How do I contact AARP if I still haven't received my card?

For unresolved issues, you can contact AARP's customer service at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277), use the live chat feature on their help center website, or post in the online community.