The Donor Registry is a database that documents an individual’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor. The information you provide is entered into a secure and confidential database that is only accessed by organ and tissue recovery professionals to determine an individual’s donation decision. Your decision to be a donor does not impact the quality of care you receive if you are sick or injured. The professionals who are responsible for your medical treatment, including hospital staff and emergency medical technicians, do not have access to this information. You can register in-person at the DMV, any DMV express office, or online through the DMV website.

Yes! Once you sign up with the DMV, no further action is required. The purpose of the Donor Registry is to support your decision to give the gift of life. If you are a registered donor, you have given your authorization to donate organs and tissues. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA), a law that gives individuals the right to donate organs and tissues, protects an individual’s donation decision.

In Connecticut, all residents are asked if they would like to join the Donor Registry when they receive their driver’s license or ID. At age 16 or 17, Connecticut residents can register their intent to donate. Prior to age 18, the final decision about donation would be made by the legal next of kin. At age 18, registering as a donor is authorization for donation.

Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) are nonprofit, federally-designated organizations that facilitate the organ and tissue donation process. OPOs are responsible for honoring an individual’s decision to donate when they have joined a donor registry and providing compassionate support to families. OPOs also evaluate potential donors for medical suitability, assist with the placement of organs for transplant, and facilitate the recovery of both organs and tissues.

All hospitals are required by federal law to contact their local OPO when a patient dies. When the hospital calls, OPO staff will consult the Donor Registry and determine if the individual is medically suitable to donate. This referral process is in place to honor the rights of registered donors and to ensure that a family can make a decision about donation when their loved one has not documented their wishes.

Organs that may be donated after death include the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. Tissues that can be donated include corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.

People waiting for transplants are listed at their local transplant center and on a national waiting list maintained by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). UNOS is responsible for overseeing organ placement and providing fair and equitable placement of donated organs. When an organ becomes available, several factors are taken into consideration. These factors include blood and tissue type and size of the donor and transplant candidate and the candidate’s medical condition, time spent on the waiting list, and urgency of need. Geographic location is also a factor, as timing is critical and transportation times must be kept to a minimum.

Absolutely! The primary goal of the hospital staff and emergency medical technicians is to save your life. The team that is responsible for your care is solely focused on doing everything possible to help you. In fact, the individuals responsible for the recovery of organs and tissues are not notified until after it has been determined that all efforts to save a life have been exhausted.

No. Neither the donor nor their family pays for or receives payment for organ or tissue donation. All costs directly associated with donation are paid by the OPO.

Most religions view donation as the ultimate act of charity and an unparalleled gift of generosity and compassion.

Yes. Registering online through the DMV website is simply one more way to make your donation wishes known. Many donors may even wish to register online and their state motor vehicle office. However, if you register in both places and change your mind about donation, be sure to remove yourself from both donor registries as well. Your Donor Registry choice will be reflected on your DMV record, however no new driver's license, non-driver ID, or learner's permit will be mailed to you. If you wish to have your current Donor Registry status reflected on your credential, you can choose to apply for a duplicate driver’s license, non-driver ID, or learner’s permit.

Please contact New England Donor Services at 800-446-6362 or nedsonline@neds.org.