AAA membership renewal is a separate process from vehicle registration, and you handle it directly with AAA, not your state's DMV

Your AAA membership card and your vehicle registration are two different things. When your AAA membership expires, your roadside information coverage, discounts, and member services stop — but your vehicle remains legally registered. You renew AAA by contacting AAA directly, either online, by phone, or in person at a local branch. The timing, cost, and method depend on which AAA club serves your state and what membership tier you hold.

AAA does not renew automatically for most members, so you need to take action before your card expires. If you let it lapse, you lose access to roadside information, travel discounts, and insurance rate reductions while your membership is inactive. Renewal is straightforward, but the cost and available options vary by region.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA membership renewal happens through AAA directly — your state DMV does not handle it or remind you when it is due.
  • You can renew online, by phone, or at a local AAA office, and the process usually takes minutes if you renew before expiration.
  • Membership costs vary by state and club, and range from basic roadside information to premium tiers that include travel services and discounts.
  • If your membership lapses, you lose roadside information coverage when ready, though you can rejoin at any time without penalty.
  • Some AAA memberships renew automatically if you set up autopay, but you must opt into this — it is not the default.

Where to renew your AAA membership

AAA operates through regional clubs, and the club that serves your state handles your renewal. You can renew through three main channels: the AAA website for your region, a phone call to AAA customer service, or a visit to a local AAA office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you have your membership card or account number handy.

To find your regional AAA club and the correct renewal website, go to aaa.com and enter your state. This takes you to your club's site, where you can log into your account and renew when ready. If you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on your membership card or search for your club's phone number on its website. Local AAA offices are also staffed to handle renewals in person, though this is slower than online or phone renewal.

What information you need to renew

To renew, have your current AAA membership card or your account number ready. If you are renewing online, you will also need the email address or phone number associated with your account. If you are renewing by phone or in person, the staff member will ask for your membership number and verify your identity with a few details like your zip code or date of birth.

If you have lost your card and do not remember your account number, call your regional AAA club and they will look it up using your name and address. This adds a few minutes to the process but does not prevent you from renewing.

Membership costs and tier options

AAA membership costs vary by state and club. A basic membership tier typically costs between $50 and $70 per year, though some clubs charge more or less depending on local rates. Premium tiers that include additional roadside information (such as longer towing distances or lockout service) cost more, usually between $100 and $150 annually. Family memberships that cover multiple household members cost extra.

When you renew, you can upgrade to a higher tier, downgrade to a lower one, or keep your current level. The renewal page or customer service representative will show you the options available in your region and the cost difference for each. Some clubs offer discounts if you renew for multiple years at once.

Automatic renewal and autopay options

Some AAA clubs offer automatic renewal through autopay, which charges your credit card or bank account on your renewal date each year. This is optional and not automatic by default — you must choose to set it up. If you enroll in autopay, you will receive a reminder email or notice before the charge goes through, giving you time to cancel or change your membership tier if you want to.

Autopay is convenient if you want to avoid the risk of forgetting to renew, but you can cancel it at any time by logging into your account online or calling your club. If you do not set up autopay, you will need to renew manually each year before your card expires.

What happens if your membership lapses

If your membership expires and you do not renew, your roadside information coverage stops when ready. This means if you have a breakdown, flat tire, or lockout after your expiration date, AAA will not respond to a call for help. You also lose access to member discounts on hotels, rental cars, insurance, and other services.

You can rejoin AAA at any time without penalty or waiting period. There is no "cooling off" period or re-enrollment fee — you straightforward pay the current annual rate and your new membership begins. If you let your membership lapse for a long time, AAA may not have your old account information on file, so you may need to provide your name, address, and phone number to set up a new account.

Renewing before your card expires versus after

It is best to renew before your card expires so there is no gap in your coverage. If you renew online or by phone a few days before expiration, your new card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you need coverage when ready and your card is about to expire, you can renew in person at a local AAA office and receive a temporary membership card on the spot.

If your membership has already expired, you can still rejoin right away. There is no waiting period, and your coverage begins as soon as you complete the renewal. However, you will not have coverage for the days between expiration and renewal, so it is better to renew before the card expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AAA membership online if I do not have my card number?

Yes. Go to your regional AAA club's website and look for the "Forgot your membership number" or "Look up your account" link. You will need to provide your name, address, and phone number or email. The system will retrieve your account and let you proceed with renewal.

How long does it take to receive a new AAA card after I renew?

If you renew online or by phone, your new card typically arrives within one to two weeks by mail. If you renew in person at a local AAA office, you can receive a temporary card when ready and use it for roadside information right away. Your permanent card will arrive by mail a few days later.

What if I renew my AAA membership but my vehicle registration is expired?

AAA membership and vehicle registration are separate. Renewing your AAA membership does not renew your registration, and vice versa. You must renew your vehicle registration through your state's DMV. AAA membership only covers roadside information and member discounts — it does not affect your vehicle's legal status on the road.

Can I change my membership tier when I renew?

Yes. When you renew, you can upgrade to a higher tier with more benefits, downgrade to a lower tier to save money, or stay at your current level. The renewal page or customer service representative will show you the cost difference for each option. You can change your tier at any time, not just during renewal.

Do I get a refund if I cancel my AAA membership mid-year?

AAA's refund policy varies by club and membership tier. Some clubs offer prorated refunds if you cancel within a certain window after purchase, while others do not. Contact your regional AAA club to ask about their cancellation and refund policy before you renew.