Many of us make the decision to register as an organ donor when we get a driver’s license. But did you know that you also can become a living organ donor?

What’s the difference between registering to become an organ donor and registering to be a living donor?

Register today to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor, and get more information on organ donation.

Organ Donation: Making the Decision

Deceased organ donation is the process of donating an organ, or part of an organ, at the time of the donor’s death.

The cause of death determines if someone can be an organ donor and which organs can be donated. Organ removal is only possible after:

  • All efforts to save the patient’s life have been exhausted.
  • Tests have been performed to ensure the absence of brain or brainstem activity.
  • The patient has been declared brain dead.

There is no age limit to becoming an organ donor, and everyone is eligible regardless of race, health, and ethnicity. Almost all major religions support organ donation.

Registering to Become an Organ Donor

Registering to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor is easy. And, this simple, yet generous act can save lives and help more than 75 people.

Most people know that you can register your decision to become an organ donor when you renew your driver’s license. But did you know that you can register online through the National Donate Life Registry? Donate Life America manages the registry, and the form only takes about one minute to complete.

Register your decision by signing up to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor today.

Living-Organ Donation: Helping Save the Lives of Those on the Transplant List

Living donation is a type of organ donation that helps save the lives of those on the liver or kidney transplant waiting list.

In addition to offering an alternative to the transplant waiting list, living-donor transplants save two lives: the recipient and the person next in line on the organ waiting list.

During a living donor transplant, a healthy donor can give a portion of their liver or one of their kidneys to a patient on the transplant waiting list.

Healthy living donors must:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 55 for living-liver donation and between the ages of 18 and 75 for living-kidney donation.
  • Be in general good health.
  • Have an unselfish desire to contribute to another person’s life in a healthy and meaningful way.

Registering to Become a Living Donor

To become a living donor, first complete the living donor registration. This helps determine if a potential donor meets the initial qualifications to become a living donor.

From there, a potential living donor undergoes an extensive transplant evaluation. This ensures they are a good candidate for living-donor surgery and that donating poses the least possible risk to both the donor and the recipient.

Why Is Organ Donation so Important?

Across the United States, 115,000 men, women, and children are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. By registering as an organ donor or a living donor, you offer hope and a second chance to these individuals.

Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .