Donor Information

Although it's not as much fun as registering for baby shower or wedding gifts, adding your name to Missouri's organ donor registry is an easy way to give someone in need the gift of life. The registry was created in 1996 to keep track of the names of potential organ and tissue donors. Even if you've already made your feelings on this issue known to your family, adding your name to the organ donor registry helps to reinforce your commitment.

To become a potential organ and tissue donor, you can add your name to the state's registry when you apply for your Missouri driver's license. The Missouri Department of Revenue works with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to add new participants and update the contact information of those who are currently listed in the registry. There is no cost to be included on the organ donor registry and the information will be kept confidential.

You can also write your choices on the back of your license. There is space to designate which organs you would like to donate, if any. Write them in, and sign and date it in front of two witnesses. You family must still give permission for donation in the event of your death.

Benefits of Organ and Tissue Donation

Organ and tissue donation saves lives. Each year, Americans receive more than 20,000 organ and 450,000 tissue transplants. In many cases, recipients who were near death go on to lead full and productive lives.

Organ and tissue donation helps bring closure to grieving families. Several studies have shown that knowing that a loved one's death was able to help others live fuller lives serves as a great comfort in a time of sorrow.

Although many people are reluctant to register as organ and tissue donors because of their religious beliefs, all major religious denominations in the United States support donation. In fact, many consider it to be a final act of charity or neighborly love.