The absolute requirements for becoming a Mason are:

        1)  BE A MAN.
                    Though, there are other branches of Masonry that accept both men and women, or women only.
 
        2) BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD.
                    Though, some lodges and some jurisdictions make exceptions for 18-year-olds, sometimes for those
                    who are sons of Masons, and sometimes for university students.

        3) HAVE BELIEF IN A SUPREME BEING OF ANY FAITH.
                    No particular religion or faith is required or excluded.  All are welcome.

 
 
Other Requirements:

        - You should be someone who does, or wants to learn to, enjoy the company of other men from all different
           social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races, countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.
 
        - If you are a family man, Masonry considers that your family obligations come FIRST, so you must be sure
           that:
                    - You have the time to participate (usually two or three evenings/month at first for meetings and
                      instruction, and then at least one evening per month for meetings from then on -- often more if you
                      get involved in lodge activities.)

                    -  You can afford the initiation fees and the annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.
 
        - You should be coming to Masonry "of your own free will and accord", to learn to improve yourself and to
           enjoy the company of other good people.

 
To join, you have to ask a Mason:

        -  Preferably someone you know or at least who lives or works nearby.
        -  If you think that you don't know any Masons in your area, you could post to the net news group
           at alt.freemasonry and ask that anyone who lives in your general area reply to you.
        -  You can probably find nearby lodges listed in your phonebook. (Under Lodges, Masons, or Freemasons).