Organ Donation in Washington

Organ Donation in Washington

The organ donation registration list is administered by LifeCenter Northwest, an organ procurement organization that manages the state donor registration lists for the states of Washington and Montana.

In addition to maintaining the donation registration database, LifeCenter offers:

  • Support services to donor families.
  • Educational resources to the public.
  • Donation assistance to medical professionals.

Did you know more then half of the people on the organ donation list are ethnic minorities, yet ethnic minorities make up only about a third of the donors? As a result, the demand for help from these donors is especially high.

For more information about organ donation, the organ donor registry or LifeCenter Northwest, visit their website directly.

Washington Organ Donation Facts

  • Organ donation can make the difference between life and death for people of all ages, including children, in need of organ and tissue transplants.
  • You can participate in Washington's organ donation program if you're at least 15 1/2 years old.
  • If you're younger than 18 years old, your parent or guardian will be able to revoke your consent to donate at the time of donation.

Regardless of your age, you should inform your family members about your decision so they'll be aware of your wishes.

Register as an Organ Donor in WA

You can sign up to become an organ donor online, by mail or in person at your local WA DOL office. When you register, you will need to provide a driver's license or ID card number.

NOTE: You must be at least 15 1/2 years old to have your name added to the organ donor registry. However, before you reach 18 years old, your parent or guardian may exercise the right to revoke consent at the time of donation.

Remember, there are more than 104,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving or life-enhancing organ transplant. Fortunately, a single donor may be responsible for helping as many as 50 people through donation of organs and tissues.

Online

Online registration is quick and easy. All you need to do is submit the online donor registration form through:

If you registered through the WA DOL in person, you can create a profile for yourself online.

By Mail

To complete your donor request by mail, send a letter with your name, address, and intention to become a donor to:

Attn: LifeCenter Northwest
3650 131st Ave. SE Ste 200
Bellevue, WA 98006

In Person

Designate yourself as an organ donor by informing the representative handling your WA driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card application at a Licensing Services Office of your intention.

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) identifies donors with a small heart shape that appears on your driver's license or ID card and you'll also be listed on the state's organ donor registry.

What Happens Next

Once you sign up as an organ donor, your name will be placed in a confidential database that is managed and accessed only by donation professionals. A donor symbol will be printed on your driver's license to indicate your status on the donor registration list.

In the event of your death, your personal donation decisions will be carried out, provided that you are at least 18 years old, or your parent or guardian does not revoke your consent at the time of donation.

Change Your WA Organ Donation Status

The Donate Life Today website, managed by LifeCenter Northwest, allows you to change your donor registration information and update your profile.

How You Can Help With Organ Donation

You can help out in several ways above and beyond just signing up as an organ donor. You may:

  • Donate $1 or more to organ donation education at the time of your vehicle registration renewal with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
    • Donations from the public are collected in an account called the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Account.
    • This money supports efforts to educate the public about the organ donor registry, and may also be used to encourage the public to join the registry.
  • Share your story and discuss the impact of your organ donation experience. Volunteers who wish to share their experiences may do so in a variety of settings including community associations, hospitals, and high schools.

For more information on other ways to support cause in your community, please visit the LifeCenter Northwest website.

Additional Information

Visit the DOL donor registry information page for more information about becoming a donor.

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