Fritz has it right on. Your first year, even a partial year is full cost. But the 2nd year, when you renew, they will discount the renewal since you "overpaid" for the first year. But if you lapse and get a "new" membership again in the 2nd year, then you loose out.

Try calling AMA and talking to the membership folks there, they might be able to straighten you out.

Of course, why didn't you renew when the forms showed up in the mail at the end of last year?!? Nothing irks me more than all the loosers out there who don't renew in time each and every year. Why is it half the club membership doesn't bother to re-up until March? Sure, the weather sucks, but you pay the same either way, and if we do get a warm spot in Jan, you're covered to fly.