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Overview
There are several ways to register as a donor. You can do it online through your state's registry, on OrganDonor.gov, or on RegisterMe.org. You can also register at your motor vehicle office when you renew your license. All of these put your name in the same place: your state's official registry.
Any path works. There is no wrong choice. Online is fastest for most people and takes a few minutes. The motor vehicle office works well if you are already there. The way you register does not matter. What matters is that you register and that your family knows what you want.
State donor registries
Every state maintains an official donor registry—the most direct registration method. You can find yours by searching "[your state] organ donor registry" online or visiting your state health department's website. State registries offer several features to help you manage your registration:
- Register online with your basic information (name, address, DOB, license number)
- Create an account to update or remove registration later
- Print a verification card (though the registry is the official document)
Registration is free and secure:
- No registration fees required
- Your information is protected
- Accessed only when needed
- Government-maintained security standards
If you have trouble locating your state's registry, contact:
- Your state health department
- Your state motor vehicle department
- Many states also link through national coordination networks like Donate Life America
Your driver's license or state ID
When renewing your driver's license or state ID, you can register as a donor. The motor vehicle department asks if you want to be a donor. If yes, the designation appears on your license. The license designation serves as a visual indicator, but real registration happens in the state registry. When you indicate "donor" on your license application, the state adds you to its official registry.
You have multiple opportunities to register when interacting with the motor vehicle department:
- Renewing your driver's license or state ID
- Getting a new license (name change, relocation)
- Applying for your initial license or ID
You don't have to wait for renewal though. You can register online or by phone anytime. But if you're renewing soon, you can handle both during the same visit to save time.
Online registration options
The simplest and fastest way for most people is online registration. You can access your state's registry through multiple trusted routes. All of these are equally official and secure:
- RegisterMe.org. The fastest way to register via the National Donate Life Registry.
- Your state's official registry. Search "[state] organ donor registry" and find the official .gov website.
- OrganDonor.gov. National HHS website providing a portal to all state registries.
All these options connect to your official state registry. The method doesn't matter—the result is the same. All pathways are equally official. Choose whichever option feels most accessible and comfortable for you. All lead to the same outcome: your documented registration in your state's system.
National and state resources
If you're looking for information about donor registration, several organizations provide guidance and resources to help you understand the process and register.
Donate Life America (donatelife.net) is a national nonprofit committed to increasing organ, eye, and tissue donation. Services include:
- Educational resources about donation
- Links to state registries
- State-by-state registration information
- Answers to common questions
- Donate Life events and advocacy opportunities
OrganDonor.gov is the official U.S. government website maintained by HRSA and CMS. Resources include:
- Accurate medical information about donation
- Instructions on registering in your state
- Resources for donor families
- Authoritative, science-based content
Both sites make the registration process accessible and clear, offering excellent starting points whether you're researching donation or ready to register.
Confirming your registration
After completing registration through any method, you'll receive confirmation. Confirmation methods vary by registration type and state:
For online registration:
- You receive a confirmation message on screen or via email
- Log back in anytime to confirm your status
- Bookmark the website for future access
- Save your confirmation email for your records
For phone or in-person registration:
- Ask for a confirmation number or card
- Some states provide physical donor cards
- Others provide digital confirmation only
- Keep any documentation they provide
Most state registries allow you to log in and verify status anytime. This is helpful if you're uncertain whether you're registered or registered years ago and want confirmation that you're still in the system. Time sometimes passes between registration and follow-up, so verification tools are useful for staying confident in your registration status.
Tell your family that you're registered as an organ donor. This step is crucial because it ensures they understand and can support your decision. Write down your state's registry name and website address, then keep this information with your important documents (will, insurance, advance directive).
Your family can consult these records to understand your wishes if needed. Without family knowledge, they might not initially realize that your registration exists. Having written information helps them quickly grasp your decision and support the donation process.
Documentation ensures your wishes are clear and accessible. The combination of your official registration plus written information left with your family provides backup security for your decision. This multi-layered approach ensures that even if state registry systems have coordination issues, your family will have the information they need to honor your wishes with confidence and peace of mind.
Additional Detailed Information
Additional Information
State registry variation and transferability
The United States has 50 separate state donor registry systems. While they share common standards through organizations like Donate Life America and OPTN, they are not fully integrated. If you move to a new state, your old state's registration does not automatically transfer. To ensure your wishes are documented in your new state, you should register in your new state's registry. Some states have reciprocal agreements and share information, but relying on this is risky. Many families are unaware of this limitation, which is why discussing your wishes verbally with family is important—they can advocate for donation even if state registry coordination fails.
Online registration security
State donor registries use encrypted, secure connections (https) to protect personal information. Your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth are collected during registration and stored securely. Access is limited to authorized personnel and is logged. Hospitals query the registry to confirm donor status, but cannot access other personal information. The security standards are similar to those used for other medical records and government databases. You should never be asked to pay for registration or provide credit card information.
Verification cards and identity
Some registries allow you to print a donor card after registration. This card indicates you're a registered donor. While this is useful for your own records and can help start conversations with family, the card itself is not the official documentation. The official record is in the state registry database. Hospitals do not rely on cards—they check the electronic registry. However, carrying a donor card shows your commitment and can remind you to tell your family.
Written By:
Transplants.org Staff
Last Reviewed: February 26, 2026
Informed By:
Transplants.org, with participation from 23 leading U.S. transplant centers, led the largest comparative analysis of patient educational materials in transplant history. We recognize the participating centers who helped inform and inspire our direction with initial patient-centered educational content:
- Mayo Clinic (Co-Author)
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Co-Author)
- Johns Hopkins Hospital (Co-Author)
- UCLA Medical Center (Co-Author)
- UCSF Medical Center (Co-Author)
Transplants.org is an independent nonprofit organization and participation is not an endorsement by these organizations.
