Save a Life

Every day, thousands of people in the U.S. wait for a life-saving organ transplant. Organ and tissue donation offers hope, healing, and a second chance at life. Donate Life California is the state-authorized nonprofit that manages California’s official donor registry and helps make saying “yes” to donation simple and meaningful. Learn the basics of donation, its impact, and where to find additional resources.

Organ, Eye & Tissue Donation

Organ and tissue donation gives hope to people who may not have any other medical option. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently on the transplant waiting list, and almost 20,000 live in California. On average, hundreds of transplants occur every day, yet many patients still die waiting for a match. One person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and help many more through eye and tissue donation.

Donate Life California is the state-authorized nonprofit responsible for managing California’s official organ, eye, and tissue donor registry. The organization works to save lives by educating communities, supporting the DMV donor registration process, and making it easy for Californians to record their donation wishes. Its vision is a future where organ, eye, and tissue donation is embraced as a shared responsibility.

Who Can Be a Donor

• Anyone can consider being a donor — age, medical history, ethnicity, and background are not barriers.

• You must be at least 13 to register online, but anyone of any age can check “YES” at the DMV when applying for or renewing a driver license or ID.
• Families of donors under 18 still must consent before donation can occur.

Make a Life-saving Choice

Register Online with Donate Life California

---

Organ Donor FAQs

Find frequently asked questions and their answers on organ donation below. Visit the Donate Life California FAQs page for more information.

Expand All Collapse All

Who can be a registered organ, eye, and tissue donor?

Anyone can be considered for donation — regardless of age, medical history, ethnicity, or background. You must be at least 13 to register online, but anyone of any age can check “YES!” at the DMV when applying for or renewing a driver license or ID. Families of donors under 18 still must consent before donation can occur.

How do I become a registered donor?

You can check “YES! I want to be an organ and tissue donor” when you apply for or renew your driver license or ID at the DMV, or you can register online through Donate Life California once you’re age 13 or older.

Will doctors still try to save my life if I’m registered?

Yes. Medical teams always focus first on saving your life. Donation is only considered after death has been declared and all life-saving efforts have ended.

Can I change my mind later?


Yes. You can remove or update your donor registration at any time through the Donate Life California website or by contacting the organization directly.

Is there a cost to my family for donation?

No. There is no cost to you or your family for organ, eye, or tissue donation. Costs related to donation are covered by the organ recovery organization, but funeral costs remain the family’s responsibility.

Will donation affect funeral arrangements?

No. Donation does not delay services, and open casket funerals are still possible as the body is treated with dignity and care.

Can I choose which organs or tissues I donate?

Checking “YES” on your driver license indicates consent for all organs, eyes, and tissues. If you want to specify or limit your donation choices, you can update your preferences through the Donate Life California site.

What if my family disagrees with my decision?

If you are 18 or older and registered, your decision is legally binding and should be honored. However, it’s always best to talk with your family about your wishes so they understand and can support your choice.

What if my religion doesn't support organ donation?

In regards to religious views on organ donation, nearly all religious groups support organ and tissue donation and transplantation as long as it does not impede the life or hasten the death of the donor. View more information on religious views on organ donation on the Donate Life California site.

How are donated organs allocated?

Organs go to people on the national transplant waiting list through a system that matches donors and recipients based on medical need, blood type, tissue type, and other health factors. Wealth, celebrity status, or social status are not considered.

What is “living donation”?


Some people choose to donate while they’re alive—most commonly a kidney or a portion of a liver—to help someone in need.