• 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?

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 sign up any time by registering online.

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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 donor designation?
If you register at the Motor Vehicle Agency (MVA), 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. If you register online, your decision will be recorded in the Motor Vehicle database only. If you wish to have "Organ Donor" appear on your license, you may visit your MVA or wait for your next license renewal.

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Do I have to renew my organ donor designation on my license every time my license is renewed?
Yes. Every time you renew your license, be sure the renew your donor designation.

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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, 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 usually 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 legal donor designation or if a person is under 18, your appointed healthcare designee, family, or if you have neither, other responsible parties may make the decision regarding donation.

That is why it is important to share your decision to become an organ and tissue donor.

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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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