The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Organ donor registry
How can I join the state organ donor registry?
What steps do I take to add my name to the organ donor registry? (Choose tab)
-
Online
-
By mail
-
Self-service station
-
Office visit
To join the state organ donor registry online, create or log into your online Secretary of State account and provide the following:
- Michigan license or ID number
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
A heart-shaped sticker will be mailed to your address to add to your license or ID.
To join the state organ donor registry by mail, select the option to become an organ donor on your license or ID renewal form.
Mail your renewal form and payment to the following address:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918
A red heart-shaped donor designation will be printed on your renewed license or ID.
Renewal mailer sample
To join the state organ donor registry for free at a self-service station, you will need your Michigan driver’s license or ID number.
A heart-shaped sticker will be mailed to your address to add to your license or ID.
You can join the state organ donor registry while applying for, renewing, replacing, correcting or converting your Michigan license or ID at any Secretary of State office.
A red heart-shaped donor designation will be printed on your license or ID.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
What is the Michigan Organ Donor Registry?
The Michigan Organ Donor Registry is a confidential database of residents who have signed up to be an organ, tissue or eye donor after they pass. The registry is only accessible by Gift of Life Michigan staff to assist hospitals in the recovery and transplantation of organs and tissues.
As an organ donor, your gift will be used to help others through transplantation, therapy, research and education.
-
When will I receive a new license with the donor designation printed on it?
If you join when you renew or when you get your first driver's license or state ID card, you'll have a heart symbol printed on your new driver's license or state ID card. If you join before your license expires, you'll receive a heart symbol sticker to be placed on your license or ID card. When your license or ID card expires, you'll be sent a new one with the heart symbol printed on it after you renew. If you lose your heart symbol sticker, you can easily order a new one.
-
Am I required to register to be an organ donor?
No, it is optional to add your name to the state organ donor registry. Anyone can join regardless of their age, health or social history. We encourage anyone considering the decision to donate to discuss it with their family and friends first.
-
Do I need to renew my status as an organ donor or will my name permanently stay on the organ donor registry?
Once you sign up to be an organ donor, your name will stay on the state organ donor registry unless you ask to have it removed.
-
How do I remove my name from the state organ donor registry?
If you no longer wish to be a registered organ donor, you can remove your name from the state registry through your online Secretary of State account or while completing a license or ID transaction at a Secretary of State office. You may also submit a written request to have your name removed. Requests should include your:
- First, middle, and last name
- Date of birth
- Michigan driver’s license or ID number
- Address
- Daytime phone number and/or email address
- Written signature and date
Requests may be submitted to the following address:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
P.O. Box 30764
Lansing, MI 48918-8264 -
How does the organ donation process work?
When an organ donor passes away, a medical professional will determine which organs and tissues can be used to help others (such as: the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, corneas, bone, tendons, skin, heart valves, veins and nerves). One person can donate up to eight life-saving organs and tissues that can improve the lives of up to 75 people.
Organs and tissue are recovered through a dignified surgical procedure conducted with the highest level of care and respect for the donor. Furthermore, their medical care is not impacted by the decision to be an organ donor.
While minors can join the organ donor registry without the consent of a parent or legal guardian, all decisions about organ donation are made by parents or guardians of donors under age 18.