Becoming an organ donor is one of the most meaningful ways to help others — but it’s normal to have questions. Here’s what you should know about how registration works, who can donate, and how to make your wishes known.
Yes. If you’re 18 or older, your registration serves as a legally binding decision to donate your organs, eyes, and tissue for transplantation. This consent is recorded through Donate Life America’s national registry and will be honored by healthcare professionals.
Even though your registration is legally valid, it’s still important to talk with your loved ones about your choice. Clear communication ensures your family understands and supports your decision during a difficult time.
Don’t rule yourself out. Almost everyone can register, regardless of medical history, medications, or lifestyle factors. Whether your organs or tissues can be used is determined only at the time of donation by a specialized medical team.
Many donors who once thought they were “too old” or “too sick” have gone on to save lives.
Your registration simply says “yes” to helping if you can.
Yes! It only takes a minute:
or
Both options connect directly to the National Donate Life Registry. You can update or change your registration anytime.
In many states, including California, teens under 18 can record their intent to become an organ donor. However, the final decision is made by a parent or legal guardian until you turn 18.
We encourage teens to learn about donation early and talk with their families. These conversations build understanding and can make future decisions easier for everyone.
Absolutely not. Your life always comes first. The idea that doctors would “hold back” because you’re a donor is a total myth.
Organ donation is only considered after all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted and death has been declared according to strict medical and legal standards.
The medical team treating you is completely separate from the transplant team. The people caring for you in the hospital have only one focus: saving your life.
Yes — you’re always in control of your decision. If you decide later that you’d like to update or remove your registration, you can do so at any time by logging in at RegisterMe.org and making changes.
Yes — you’re always in control of your decision. If you decide later that you’d like to update or remove your registration, you can do so at any time by logging in at RegisterMe.org and making changes.
Most major religions - including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism - support organ donation as a final act of compassion and generosity. Many faith leaders view it as a powerful way to save lives and serve others.
If you’re unsure, talk with your spiritual advisor about how donation aligns with your beliefs.
Yes. You can specify whether you’d like to donate all organs and tissues or only certain ones when you register. You can also update your preferences anytime through the registry.
Commonly donated organs include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Tissues such as corneas, skin, bones, and heart valves can also heal or restore lives.
No. Organ and tissue donation does not interfere with open-casket funerals or other memorial arrangements. Donors are treated with the utmost care, dignity, and respect throughout the process.
No. There’s no cost to you or your family for organ, eye, or tissue donation. All medical and surgical expenses related to donation are covered by the organ-procurement organization (OPO), not by the donor’s loved ones.
Your family is never billed for donation, and your decision to register doesn’t affect your own medical care or hospital costs in any way.
Organs are matched purely through medical criteria. They are not given based on fame, wealth, or social status.
When someone needs a transplant, specialists use data like blood type, body size, tissue compatibility, medical urgency, and time on the waiting list to find the best possible match. UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) coordinates this process across the entire U.S.
It’s fair, tightly regulated, and designed to save as many lives as possible with every donation.
In rare cases, a donor can allocate their donation to a specific person (directed donation), when a relative or close friend is awaiting a transplant.
One donor can:
That’s someone’s child, parent, partner, or friend who gets more years, more birthdays, and more time.
Even one “yes” creates a ripple of hope that touches entire families and communities.
No. The 8275 Project does not receive any of your registration data.
When you click “Register” on our site, you’re redirected to Donate Life America’s official registry - the same system used by Apple’s Health app and state DMV offices. We don’t have access to your medical, contact, or identifying information. Your privacy is completely protected. Our role is simply to educate and connect you with national and state resources.
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