Organ/blood donation registration

Organ and blood donation are two distinct but equally vital ways to save lives. Organ donation involves registering your decision to donate organs and tissues after death (or as a living donor), while blood donation is an ongoing process where healthy individuals give blood for transfusions and medical treatments.

38 steps across 9 sections

1. How to Register

  • Online via RegisterMe.org — The National Donate Life Registry at registerme.org allows you to sign up in minutes
  • At the DMV — When getting or renewing your driver's license or state ID, you can indicate your wish to be a donor (the heart symbol on your license)
  • iPhone Health App — Apple's Health app includes organ donor registration
  • State Donate Life websites — Each state has its own Donate Life team and registry (e.g., DonateLifePA.org, DonateLifeKY.org)
  • OrganDonor.gov — Federal resource with links to your state's registry

2. State vs. National Registries

  • The National Donate Life Registry (RegisterMe.org) and your state donor registry are two separate registries for most states
  • Both registries are checked by donation professionals at the time of death
  • The most recent donor registration is honored as your legal document of gift
  • Register in both for maximum coverage

3. Eligibility

  • Anyone age 18 or older can register regardless of age or medical history
  • In some states, people ages 15-17 can sign up (with parental consent in some cases)
  • Medical suitability is determined at the time of death — don't self-disqualify
  • People with chronic conditions, past cancers, or older age can still be donors

4. Managing Your Registration

  • Visit RegisterMe.org and click "Edit Registration" to access your donor record
  • You can update your address, add research as a donation option, and list donation preferences
  • Tell your family about your decision — they may be consulted even if you're registered

5. Types of Organ/Tissue Donation

  • Deceased donation: Organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines), tissues (corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, tendons)
  • Living donation: One kidney, part of liver, part of lung, part of intestine, blood, bone marrow/stem cells

6. General Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: At least 16-17 years old (varies by state)
  • Weight: At least 110 pounds (higher minimums for some donation types)
  • Health: Must feel well on the day of donation
  • Controlled chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure) are usually fine
  • No tattoo waiting period in most states if done at a regulated facility

7. Common Disqualifications

  • Recent travel to malaria-endemic areas
  • Certain medications (check with donation center)
  • Recent illness or infection
  • Low iron/hemoglobin (tested at donation)
  • Pregnancy or recent childbirth
  • Recent surgery or dental work (varies)

8. The Donation Process

  • Register — Sign up online or walk in at a blood center or blood drive
  • Health history form — Complete questionnaire about medical history, travel, medications
  • Mini-physical — Staff checks blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and hemoglobin via finger prick
  • Donation — Actual blood draw takes 8-10 minutes for whole blood
  • Rest and refreshments — Spend 10-15 minutes in the canteen area with snacks and drinks
  • Total time — About 1 hour for the entire process

9. Power Red Requirements

  • More restrictive than whole blood
  • Men: at least 17 years old, 5'1" tall, 130+ pounds
  • Women: at least 19 years old, 5'3" tall, 150+ pounds

Common Mistakes

  • Not telling your family
  • Assuming you're registered
  • Not registering in both
  • Self-disqualifying
  • Donating blood on an empty stomach

Pro Tips

  • Register online AND at the DMV
  • Tell at least 3 family members
  • Include donation wishes
  • Consider living donation
  • Register for bone marrow

Sources

Related Checklists