The Basics About Donating

Each year in New York alone, 1,500 kidneys, livers, and hearts are transplanted from hundreds of donors. However, there are 8,000 recipients on waiting lists in the Empire State, so more donors are always needed.

Organs from one donor can save up to eight lives, while the tissue can improve 12 more by restoring eyesight, helping burn patients, and preventing disability.

Your medical treatment as a donor isn't affected by your donor status, and you may remove your name from the donor registration list. Furthermore, donating tissue or organs won't interfere with having an open-casket viewing at your funeral. Also, being a donor won't cost you or your family anything.

Register In Person or By Mail

Register to become a donor by indicating your desire when you apply for or renew your driver's license or state ID card. (You must be at least 18 years old to become a donor.)

Or, mail a completed donor form to the address listed on the application.

Important Note

If you registered to be a donor before July 23, 2008, you're in the old registry, which means your next-of-kin must give his/her consent before your donation request can be carried out.

If you're not comfortable with that situation, you must enroll in the new New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry by one of the methods outlined above.

For more information on this matter, consult the New York Organ Donor Network or the DMV donor page.

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