Become a Donor
You can register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor in your state registry, at your local DMV/BMV, RegisterMe.org, or in your iPhone Health App. Your donor registration is a binding, legal document of gift. You can remove your registration, update your personal information or specify more detailed donation preferences at any time at RegisterMe.org.
Any adult age 18 or older can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor – regardless of age or medical history. 15-17 year olds can register their intent to be organ, eye and tissue donors in the National Donate Life Registry. However, until they are 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian makes the final donation decision. If registering in the National Donate Life Registry through iPhone, you must be 18 years or older. Both your state donor registry and the National Donate Life Registry are checked by donation professionals at the time of your death. The most recent donor registration is honored as your legal document of gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a donor?
Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what may be donated.
What can be donated?
Bone
Bone grafts are used to repair and replace bone damaged by a wide range of medical conditions including cancer and trauma
Skin
Typically, skin grafts serve as a temporary cover over the healing skin of a burn patient. This decreases pain, lowers the risk of infection, and controls fluid loss.
Heart Valves
The donation of heart valves can be lifesaving for those children born with absent or damaged valves or adults with cardiac defects and damage.
Veins & Arteries
Donations of saphenous and femoral veins are used to restore blood flow to diseased vessels.
Ligaments & Tendons
Knee and joint injuries commonly caused by athletic injuries can be repaired with ligaments and tendons.
Nerves
Nerves damaged by trauma or disease can be repaired with donated nerve tissue to decrease pain and regain motor function and sensation.
Corneas
The tissue that covers the iris and pupil can restore the sight to patients whose corneas have been damaged by disease, infection, or trauma.
Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation?
All major religions in the United States support organ, eye, and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
Does registering as a donor change my patient care?
If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye, and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.
Does donation affect funeral plans?
Funeral arrangements of your choice are possible, including a viewing. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect, and dignity. Following donation, funeral arrangement can continue as planned.
Is there a cost to be an organ, eye and tissue donor?
There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ, eye or tissue donation.