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During the driver’s license application process, you will be asked if you want to register as an organ donor. This typically happens when you are filling out the application form and confirming your information with the MVC representative.

Alternatively, you can register as an organ donor on the National Donate Life Registry by clicking here or through the Health app on your iPhone.  

EVERY 8 MINUTES another person is added to the waiting list.

EACH DAY 16 PEOPLE die while waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

GIVE HOPE TO THOSE WAITING FOR A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE:

The number of people waiting remains high because there aren’t enough donated organs to meet the need for transplants. By registering as a donor, you could save the lives of up to 8 people and enhance the lives of 75 more.

MAKE ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION A PART OF YOUR LEGACY:

Choosing to give the gift of life is a way to leave a lasting legacy, not just for yourself, but for your friends and loved ones to honor. Donor heroes are recognized for being selfless, generous in spirit, and helping others by giving the gift of life.

Registering as an organ donor means that upon your death, you consent to having your organs and tissue donated to those in need. 

In order for a deceased patient to be considered for organ donation, two things must be true: 

The deceased person must:

1. Pass away in a hospital on ventilated support
2. Experience brain death or a non-survivable injury

Although almost 170 million people are registered to be donors, only three in 1,000 people die in a way that allows for deceased organ donation. That's why organ donation is a special opportunity and adding the donor designation to your driver's license is so important.

No, this registration has nothing to do with living donation. Registering as an organ donor means that you consent to donating your organs and tissue after your passing.

Organ donation and transplantation is a complex process, requiring the expertise and collaboration of many. This lifesaving journey begins with one person – the organ donor.

• A person who has sustained a severe brain injury (for example, from an accident or stroke) is put on a breathing
  machine in a hospital.
• The hospital team does everything possible to save every patient’s life, and sometimes nothing more can be done.
• The donation process begins after all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted, and multiple tests confirm the total loss of brain function and death has been declared, or the family has decided to withdraw mechanical ventilation when death is imminent.
• The hospital contacts the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving their area, and the OPO checks the donor registry. If the person is registered, the OPO will inform the family. If not, the OPO will ask the family to authorize
  donation. The donor family is supported throughout the process.
• A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list. Organs are recovered from the donor with care and respect and sent to transplant center hospitals for the miracle of transplantation.

One organ donor can save 8 lives.

Organs that can be donated include:

• Heart 

• Kidneys (2)

• Pancreas

• Lungs (2)

• Liver

• Intestines

One tissue donor can enhance the lives of over 75 others.

• Donated corneas help restore sight.

• Skin grafts heal burn victims and are used for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.

• Healthy heart valves are lifesaving to those with diseased valves.

• Bone grafts, ligament and tendons are used to repair injured or diseases bones and joints.

Yes! When you decide to register as an organ donor, it's important to inform your family of your choice. Clearly communicating your intentions helps ensure that your family will carry out your decision.

Simply having a conversation about your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation can help save lives.