How do I reactivate my AARP membership? Your complete guide to rejoining.

According to data from AARP, millions of older Americans rely on their membership for valuable discounts and resources. For former members seeking to regain these benefits, knowing how do I reactivate my AARP membership is the first step toward reconnecting with the organization and its offerings.

Quick Summary

You can reactivate your lapsed AARP membership by logging into your online account to pay, calling the member services number for assistance, or by mailing a check to the organization. The process is designed to be straightforward and convenient, ensuring you can quickly and easily resume access to all member perks and services.

Key Points

• Online is fastest: The quickest and most direct way to reactivate your AARP membership is by logging into your account online and paying your dues.

• Three simple methods: You can choose to reactivate your membership online, by calling member services, or by mailing in a payment.

• Member ID not essential: You don't necessarily need your old member ID number, as AARP can typically locate your account using your name, address, and birth date.

• Immediate benefit access: For online reactivations, many digital benefits and resources become available almost instantly after payment is processed.

• Streamlined process: Reactivating is a simplified process compared to initial enrollment, and AARP retains your records even after an extended lapse.

• Regain all perks: Once reactivated, you will regain access to all AARP benefits, including discounts, publications, and member-exclusive programs.

Rejoining AARP: A Simple Path Back to Benefits

Returning to the fold of AARP is a simple process, whether your membership has been expired for a few weeks or several years. Unlike starting from scratch, reactivation is typically a streamlined procedure. This guide will walk you through the various methods available and what to expect as you regain your active member status.

Method 1: The Online Reactivation Process

The fastest and most convenient way to reactivate your AARP membership is online. This method allows for immediate payment and, in many cases, immediate access to your digital benefits.

Step-by-Step Online Reactivation

1. Navigate to the AARP website: Go to the official AARP homepage.
2. Access the Member Login: Locate the 'Login' or 'Account' button, typically in the top right corner of the page.
3. Enter your credentials: Log in using your email address or member number and password.
4. Find the renewal option: Once logged in, you will likely see a prominent notification that your membership has expired. Click the link to 'Renew' or 'Reactivate'.
5. Provide your details: Confirm your personal information and update any changes to your address or phone number.
6. Complete the payment: Enter your credit card or other payment information to finalize the transaction. You will receive an immediate confirmation of your renewed membership.

Method 2: Reactivating by Phone

For those who prefer a more personal touch or need assistance with the process, reactivating by phone is an excellent option. AARP's member services representatives can help you navigate any account issues.

1. Find the number: The general member services number is often available on the AARP website or on past correspondence.
2. Gather your information: Have your old member number ready if possible, but be prepared to verify your identity using your name, address, and date of birth.
3. Call during business hours: Contact AARP during their posted service hours to speak with a representative.
4. Confirm your details: The representative will locate your lapsed account, confirm your information, and process your payment over the phone.

Method 3: Reactivation via Mail

For those who are not comfortable with online or phone payments, a traditional mail-in option is always available. This method may take longer, but it is just as effective.

• Look for a renewal notice in the mail. If you've recently lapsed, AARP may have sent you a reminder with a pre-printed form. This is the simplest way to proceed via mail.
• If you don't have a recent notice, you can typically find a printable form on the AARP website or by calling member services to have one mailed to you.
• Fill out the form completely, including your payment information (check or money order is recommended), and mail it to the address provided on the form.

What to Expect After Reactivation

Once you complete the reactivation, you can expect a few things to happen:

• Immediate Digital Access: Online reactivation usually restores your access to member-only sections of the AARP website, digital publications, and discounts almost instantly.
• New Member Card: A new membership card, and potentially a new welcome kit, will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
• Benefit Resumption: All your previous benefits, including insurance access, discounts, and subscriptions, will be reinstated.

Common Reactivation Questions and Solutions

Comparing AARP Reactivation Methods

Feature	Online	Phone	Mail
Speed	Fastest (Instant)	Moderate	Slowest
Convenience	Very High	High	Low
Assistance	Minimal (Self-Service)	Direct Human Help	None
Lost Info	Easy to recover	Rep can assist	Requires manual retrieval
Payment Options	Credit/Debit	Credit/Debit	Check/Money Order

This comparison table helps illustrate which method might be best for your specific needs, emphasizing the speed and convenience of online reactivation.

Troubleshooting Reactivation

• Forgot your login? Use the 'Forgot Password' or 'Forgot Member ID' links on the AARP login page. You can retrieve your information by verifying your email address.
• Long-expired membership: Even if your membership expired a long time ago, AARP typically retains your records. The reactivation process remains the same.
• Updating information: Make sure to update your contact information during the process to ensure you receive future communications and your new member card.

Why Reactivate Your AARP Membership?

Reactivating your AARP membership means more than just a piece of plastic. It means regaining access to a wide array of benefits, including significant discounts on travel, dining, and other purchases, plus valuable resources for health, financial planning, and advocacy. Staying connected with the community and the information provided by AARP can be an integral part of healthy and active aging. For more details on the many programs available, you can visit the AARP official website.

Conclusion: A Seamless Return to the AARP Community

Reactivating a lapsed AARP membership is a straightforward and accommodating process, with options to suit every preference, whether you favor technology or a more traditional approach. By following these simple steps, you can quickly resume your membership and continue to enjoy all the valuable benefits and resources that AARP offers to its members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't remember my AARP member ID or password?

If you forgot your member ID or password, use the 'Forgot Password' or 'Forgot User ID' links on the AARP website login page. You can retrieve your information by verifying your email address and other personal details.

Will my member number change after I reactivate?

No, your member number will remain the same. Reactivation simply re-establishes your existing account in an active status, rather than creating a new one.

How long does it take for my benefits to resume after reactivation?

If you reactivate online, your digital benefits typically resume immediately. For phone or mail reactivations, it may take a few business days for your status to be updated and benefits restored.

Can I reactivate if my membership has been expired for a long time?

Yes, AARP maintains records of lapsed members. There is no set time limit for reactivating; the process is the same whether you expired recently or years ago.

Is there a grace period for lapsed AARP members?

AARP does provide a grace period after your membership expires, during which you can renew without a complete lapse. However, after this period, you will need to formally reactivate to regain access.

How long will it take to get a new member card after reactivating?

After you reactivate, AARP will mail you a new card, which typically arrives within 2-4 weeks. In the meantime, you can use your temporary digital card, available online, for immediate proof of membership.

Can I update my contact information while reactivating my membership?

Yes, during the online or phone reactivation process, you will have the opportunity to review and update your personal contact information, such as your address, email, and phone number.

What if I want to switch my membership type during reactivation?

To switch your membership type, for instance from an individual to a couples membership, it's best to call AARP member services. A representative can ensure your request is processed correctly during the reactivation.