More than 2,100 children under the age of 18 are on the national transplant waiting list.

A parent or legal guardian must authorize an organ, eye or tissue donation for anyone under the age of 18.

Teenagers 15–17 years old can register their intent to be an organ, eye and tissue donor here or at the DMV when they register for a drivers license. 

Parents cannot pre-register a minor child on a registry (like Donate Life or the DMV system). 

What parents and legal guardians can do is:

• Authorize donation at time of death if the situation ever arises. 
• Talk about donation wishes with healthcare providers, and note them in the child’s medical records
• . Having these conversations in advance ensures that parents’ and children’s values are known and can guide decisions during a difficult time.