Organ & Tissue Donor Registration
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Through the Motor Vehicle Association's Organ Donor Program, Marylanders can give the gift of life and health to someone else by donating organs or other tissue after death.
How to become an organ donor
Look for the statement on your license application or renewal that says: "Please check if, upon your death, you desire to help others by becoming an organ donor." If you want to be a donor, check the "Yes" box.
You can change your organ donor status anytime in your myMVA account or at an MVA Kiosk.
What happens after you sign up
When you choose to become an organ donor:
- Your decision is registered with the MVA
- You can choose to add a red heart symbol, indicating that you are a donor, on your driver's license or identification card
- Specific personal information, such as your name, date of birth and address, are submitted to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and maintained in the Maryland Organ Donor Registry
Support organ donation awareness
When you renew or apply for a new Maryland driver's license or identification (ID) card, you can make a monetary contribution to the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund. Contributions support public education and awareness about organ, tissue and eye donation.
Frequently asked questions
Donate Life FAQ
Anyone 18 years or over may register to be an organ donor. Minors who are 15 years and 9 months old may add a donor designation if a parent or guardian consents in writing.
Advanced age or a history of illness do not mean you can't be a donor.
Decisions about the suitability of donated organs are made at the time of death. The donation of the body for medical education is also possible.
A donor designation on a Maryland driver's license or identification card is sufficient legal authority for the removal of body organs and tissues upon the death of the donor.
Discuss your commitment to be a donor with your family. It's important to tell your family about your wishes because the donation is usually discussed with one's next of kin. During a family discussion one can learn how each person feels about becoming a donor and assure that a relative's wishes are carried out, because the donation is usually discussed with one's next of kin.
The family of a donor does not receive nor pay any fees. It's illegal to buy or sell human organs or tissues.
The family does not pay any hospital or physician fees associated with organ and tissue removal.
Absolutely not! Donation is considered only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted. Donation never occurs until death is certified.
You can change your organ donor status at any time
You can request the change online through your myMVA account, or in person at an MVA kiosk or MVA branch office.
For more information
Donate Life Maryland
1-866-MD-DONOR
www.DonateLifeMaryland.org
http://www.facebook.com/DonateLifeMaryland
https://x.com/DonateLifeMD
Infinite Legacy Foundation
1730 Twin Springs Rd. Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21227
410-242-7000
800-641-4376 (HERO)