• How do I become a donor?
• Who can be a donor?
• What happens when I say "yes" to the organ donor designation?
• Do I have to renew my organ donor designation on my license every time my license is renewed?
  
• Could there be any conflict between saving your life and organ and tissue donation?
• What organs and tissue can be donated?
• How are donated organs allocated?
• Will my family be charged for organ donation, and will donation affect funeral arrangements?
• Can my relatives make the donation decision?
• Do all religions support organ and tissue donation?
• If I register online, how will I know that my information will be protected?

How do I become a donor?
When you first apply for and each time you renew your license, you will be asked if you'd like the "Organ Donor" designation to appear on your license. You can also sign up online through the Donate Life NJ Online Registry. This registry enables all New Jersey residents, with a state-issued license or ID, age 18 or older, to register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor online. This decision qualifies as a legal document of gift that cannot be revoked by anyone but you. This secure registry is maintained by the Motor Vehicle Commission. If you would like the words "Organ Donor" to appear on your NJ Driver's license or state ID, you must request this change in person at a Motor Vehicle Agency.

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Who can be a donor?
Anyone can decide to be a donor. Your physical condition, not your age, determines your potential for organ and tissue donation and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the time of death. A history of health problems does not automatically restrict you from becoming a donor.

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What happens when I say "yes" to the organ and tissue donor designation?
The words "Organ Donor" will appear on the front of your license and will be included in your computer record with the Motor Vehicle Commission. This means you legally consent to the donation of your organs and tissue for the purposes of transplantation and therapy.

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Do I have to renew my donor designation on my license every time my license is renewed?
Yes. The online registry is connected to your driver/ID record, so every time your license expires, your online registration expires. One option is to renew the designation at the Motor Vehicle Agency when you renew your license. If you choose not to make the designation at the agency, once your expired license is renewed, you can register online again.

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Could there be any conflict between saving your life and organ and tissue donation?
No. Donation cannot occur until after a person has died. In the event of an accident or emergency, physicians and nurses will do everything possible to try to save your life. In fact, the medical team treating you is always completely separate from the transplant team.

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What organs and tissue can be donated?
Life-saving organs for transplant include the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines. Tissue such as bones, ligaments, and tendons are needed for surgical procedures to repair injured or diseased joints and bone. Donated corneas, heart valves and skin also improve the quality of life.

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How are donated organs allocated?
Donated organs are given to patients based on the following criteria: match with donor, medical urgency, geographic location and time on the waiting list. Your age, gender, race, ethnicity, or wealth do not affect whether you will receive available organs or tissue.

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Will my family be charged for organ donation, and will donation affect funeral arrangements?
No. There are no costs to families for donation. Organ or tissue donation does not interfere with customary funeral plans, including those with open casket viewings.

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Can my relatives make the donation decision?
In the absence of a donor designation or if a person is under 18, the family is responsible for making all decisions regarding donation. This is why you should talk to your family about your wishes.

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Do all religions support organ and tissue donation?
Yes. Every religion supports donation and considers it the greatest gift a person can give.

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If I register online, how will I know that my information will be protected?
The Donate Life New Jersey online donor registry is housed within a secure database maintained by the Motor Vehicle Commission. Only designated procurement personnel will have access to the donor registry, and access to the registry would only occur at such times that would confirm an individual’s wishes regarding donation, i.e. upon the death of the individual. All information submitted to the registry will be kept confidential and secure at all times

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