Organ donor

How to register as an organ donor

There are 3 ways to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor:

  • In person. Tell us you want to register as a donor when you apply for your driver license, instruction permit, or identification card. The donor symbol (Donor icon) will be placed on your license or identification card, and your name will be sent to the organ donor registry.
  • Online. Visit http://www.donatelifetoday.com and add your name to the registry on the organ donor website.
  • By mail. Mail a letter with your name and address to the organ donor registry at:
    Attn: Donate Life Today Registry
    11245 SE 6th Street, Ste 100
    Bellevue, WA 98004

Frequently asked questions about organ, eye, and tissue donation

Why should I consider being a donor?

Being on the organ donor registry is a decision that could save a life! One organ or tissue donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 50 people. Today, more than 100,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving transplant. One-third of those people will die before they receive an organ.

What does it mean when I say “yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation and put the heart on my driver license or ID card?

Saying “yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation provides your legal consent to donate all organs, eyes, and tissues for life-saving or enhancing transplant. This isn’t related in any way to whole body research programs

What organs and tissues can I donate?

Transplantable organs and tissues include: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, small intestine, heart valves, skin, bone, connective tissue, veins, eyes, and corneas.

Can I register as an organ donor if I’m younger than 18?

Yes, if you’re at least 15½ years old you can choose to register as an organ and tissue donor and get the donor symbol on your intermediate driver license or ID card. However, until you’re 18 years old or emancipated, your parent or guardian has the right to revoke your consent at the time of donation.

What if I want to make limitations on what I am willing to donate, or have changed my mind about being a donor?

If you would like to set limitations or remove your name from the donor registry:

  • Visit www.donatelifetoday.com and create a record reflecting your wishes. This new record will replace any older records.
  • OR
  • Fill out the form in the organ donation brochure and mail it to the address given. You can pick up a brochure at any driver licensing office or request a copy by calling 1-877-275-5269.

Do I have to get a new driver license or ID card if I change my mind about being a donor?

No, you may either keep your current license or ID card, or get a new one without the donor symbol. If you prefer to get a new license or ID card, you may request one at any driver licensing office. A $10 fee will be charged for the new license or ID card.

What if I have more questions?

For more information about organ donation, visit the LifeCenter Northwest website at www.lcnw.org or contact them at:

Organ donor registry

The Washington Donate Life Today Registry is a confidential database of personal donation decisions to be carried out at the time of death. The database is managed and accessed only by donation professionals.

Information used to create the registry

The organ donor procurement organization collects the following information from us:

  • Driver license or identification card number
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Residence and mailing address

The donor procurement organization also may ask donors to provide specific information about their individual wishes.

Privacy and security of registry information

Organ donor registry information is kept confidential and safe. It cannot be shared with anyone outside the organ donor agencies. We encode the information before it is sent to the registry, and then the registry decodes the information when it has been received.

Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Account

This account is used to collect and manage donations from the public. Money donated to the account will support efforts to provide facts about organ donation to the public and to ask them to join the organ donor registry.

How to make a donation

You may donate $1 (or more!) to support organ donation education when you renew your vehicle registration. Your tab renewal notice will tell you about the option to donate to the account. This option is available if you renew your registration by mail, online, or in person at a vehicle licensing office.

See also:

Access Washington