Register to be an Eye, Organ and Tissue Donor

People of all ages should consider themselves potential eye, organ and tissue donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what can be donated. If corneal tissue is not transplantable due to age or medical condition, the donation can, with authorization, be considered a gift for education and research involving glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other sight disorders. These studies advance the knowledge of causes and effects of blinding eye conditions and lead to new treatments and cures. 

While there are often many personal reasons why someone may decide to become a donor, people typically make this selfless choice so they can save and heal others. Here are some of the responses we received when we asked why people chose to join the donor registry, and how their lives have been impacted by eye, organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

The United States has an “opt-in” approach to organ, eye and tissue donation, which means residents must register to be an organ donor. If you are on the organ donor registry it is because you registered to be an organ donor, likely when you received or renewed your driver’s license or state ID card at your state's department of motor vehicles or Secretary of State. You may also have signed up on the National Donate Life Donor Registry, instead of or in addition to your state's registry. The national registry will not provide an indicator on your driver’s license but it is checked in all 50 states when there is a potential donor situation. 

There are two separate registries: 

• Your state donor registry, which can be found by clicking here. 
• The National Donate Life Registry at RegisterMe.org. 

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. 

You can register in both, if you desire to do so. If you are registered in your state donor registry, you can still register your donation decision in the National Donate Life Registry at RegisterMe.org or in your iPhone Health App. It takes less than a minute and does not conflict with the state donor registry. Your national registration will travel with you across state lines. Your state donor registry and the National Donate Life Registry will be checked online by donation professionals at the time of your death. The most recent donor registration is honored as your legal document of gift. 

Yes, you can change your information in your state’s online donor registry. Most states let you choose which organs and tissues you want to donate. 
 
If you’re already registered on the National Donate Life Donor Registry you can log into your donor record to update or change your profile and donation preferences. 

Be sure to discuss your final wishes regarding donation with your loved ones. Family members are consulted at the time of death, and a 10-second conversation today can help them make the important decision to donate when the time comes.

There is no age limit to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. We continue to see and be involved with an increasing number of studies and research that recognize the potential in transplanting organs from older donors.

Registering as a whole-body donor is a separate process. It can be done through organizations such as Science Care or Humanity Gifts Registry, or sometimes directly with the departments of anatomy for medical institutions in your area. Through whole-body registration, you'll be able to indicate that you're also an organ donor and therefore your organs will be considered for transplants before being assessed for whole-body donation.

All major religions in the U.S. support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity. You can find statements and teachings on organ, eye and tissue donation by visiting this resource. For additional guidance, you are encouraged to speak with your faith or spiritual leader.