Organ donation
One decision, made in about 2 minutes, that can save up to 8 lives. Register with your state, tell your family, and it’s done.
8
lives one organ donor can save
75+
lives one tissue donor can improve
100,000+
people on the national waiting list
17
people die each day waiting for a transplant
Register now
The national registry at RegisterMe.org works for all 50 states and D.C. It takes about 2 minutes. You can also register through your state’s DMV or donor registry (see below).
Register as an organ donor →Via Donate Life America, the official national organ donor registry. Free.
How to register
Register online or at the DMV
Use the national registry above or find your state's registry below. You can also register when you renew your driver's license. It takes about 2 minutes.
Tell your family
If you pass away, the hospital will speak with your family before proceeding with donation. Even if you're registered, telling your family now means they won't be caught off guard during a difficult moment.
Note it in your healthcare directive
If you have a healthcare directive, include your organ donation wishes. This gives your healthcare agent clear legal authority.
Register through your state
Each state has its own donor registry. You can also register through the national registry above.
Organ donation and your estate plan
Registering as an organ donor is separate from your will. Your will may not be read in time for organ donation to happen. The most reliable approach: register with your state, tell your family, and include your wishes in your healthcare directive.
will.com’s free healthcare directive includes an organ donation section where you can specify your wishes and give your healthcare agent legal authority to act on them.
What can be donated
Organs
- •Heart
- •Lungs
- •Liver
- •Kidneys
- •Pancreas
- •Intestines
Tissues
- •Corneas
- •Skin
- •Heart valves
- •Bone
- •Tendons
- •Veins
Common questions
Does my religion support organ donation?
Most major religions support organ donation as an act of charity and compassion, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Some traditions have specific guidelines. If you have questions, speak with your faith leader.
Will doctors try less hard to save me if I'm a donor?
No. The medical team treating you is completely separate from the transplant team. Donation is only considered after every effort to save your life has been exhausted and death has been declared by physicians who are not involved in transplantation.
Can I choose what to donate?
Yes. You can choose to donate all organs and tissues, or specify which ones. You can also choose to donate for transplantation only, or for both transplantation and research.
Is there an age limit?
No. People of all ages can register. Medical professionals evaluate organs and tissues at the time of donation. Donors have ranged from newborns to people in their 90s.
Does organ donation affect funeral arrangements?
No. Organ and tissue recovery is performed in a way that allows an open-casket funeral. There is no visible change to the body, and there is no cost to the donor's family.
Is registering the same as putting it in my will?
Not exactly. Your will may not be read until after the donation window has passed. Registering with your state's donor registry is the most reliable way to make your wishes known. You should also tell your family.
Sources
This page is for informational purposes only. will.com is not affiliated with Donate Life America or any state donor registry. Statistics from HRSA and UNOS. Organ and tissue donation is governed by state and federal law.