This April, Donate Life

April is Donate Life Month, and the New York State DMV is urging New Yorkers who have not already done so to register as potential organ donors.

In 2024, more than 50 percent of eligible New Yorkers had registered to become organ and tissue donors through New York’s Donate Life Registry. It was the first time a majority had registered. That number is now 52.9 percent.

“During my tenure as Commissioner, I have taken great pride in strengthening those numbers and getting more people to join the registry,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Still, it is a sad fact that almost 300 New Yorkers died last year while waiting for a transplant. There are 785 people that have been waiting more than five years. That should motivate all of us to join the registry.”

“Every day, New Yorkers have the chance to give the gift of life,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “By registering as an organ donor, you can create hope, transform lives and give someone a second chance to see tomorrow. This Donate Life Month, I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to join the Donate Life Registry and be part of a life-changing journey because we can all turn waiting lists into new beginnings.”

“Donate Life New York State’s mission is to ensure a life-changing organ or tissue transplant for every New Yorker in need. For nearly a quarter century, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles has helped us inform New Yorkers, grow enrollment in the New York Donate Life Registry, and make registration a routine part of interacting with state government,” said Aisha Tator, Executive Director of Donate Life New York State. “Today, about 80 percent of donor registrations happen at the DMV, which is a testament to the strength of our partnership. Commissioner Schroeder and the entire staff at the DMV have been true leaders in this effort, helping save thousands of New Yorkers’ lives. Together, we look forward to continuing to grow the registry so that the 8,000 New Yorkers currently awaiting a lifesaving transplant have the opportunity for a second chance at life.”

There are now 8,018 New Yorkers awaiting an organ transplant, according to Donate Life New York State. New Yorkers make up 10% of the national organ transplant waiting list, according to the NYS Department of Health.

One organ donor can save 8 lives and heal 75 more through eye and tissue donation.

If you are aged 16 and older, you are eligible to enroll in the Registry. Donors can specify organs and tissues they want to give, and they can identify whether the donation is for transplant, research or both.

New Yorkers can enroll directly through the NYS Donate Life Registry or through:

The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles or by completing the donation section on a driver’s license or non-driver ID application or when they renew their license or non-driver ID.

A voter registration form or online voter registration. The donation section on the application for an ID in New York City through the IDNYC program.

Various license or certification applications from the Department of State, as well as the Department of Health. Those seeking sporting licenses (hunting, fishing, and trapping) through the Department of Environmental Conservation online portal can join the Registry as part of that process. People can also sign up through the Marketplace when they renew with NY State of Health.

Your decision to join the registry database is confidential, and you can access your registration at any time to make changes. You can find the answers to frequently asked questions about organ donation and the Registry online.

DMV also offers a Donate Life custom license plate to raise awareness and support critical research. A total of $20 of the annual fee is directed to the “Life Pass It On Trust Fund,” used for organ donation and transplant research and educational programs promoting organ and tissue donation. In addition, since 2020, New Yorkers have had the opportunity to contribute to the Fund when filing their income taxes.

To learn more about organ donation, visit donatelife.ny.gov/