The heart symbol marks you as an organ donor
The heart symbol on your driver license indicates that you have registered as an organ and tissue donor. When you see this symbol, it means you have consented to donate your organs, eyes, and tissues after death. The symbol serves as a quick visual marker for medical professionals and first responders who may need to know your donor status in an emergency.
Each state manages its own donor registry, so the process and appearance of the heart symbol varies slightly by location. Some states print the symbol directly on the license itself. Others use a separate donor card or mark your record in a state database that hospitals can access. The heart has become the standard symbol across most U.S. states because it is universally recognized and when ready understood by healthcare workers.
The presence of the heart symbol does not automatically donate your organs — it documents a choice you made. Your family can still override your decision in most states, though having the symbol on your license makes your wishes clear and can reduce confusion during a medical crisis.
Key Takeaways
- The heart symbol on your driver license shows you have registered as an organ and tissue donor in your state's registry.
- The symbol appears on the license itself in some states and in a separate database in others, but the meaning is the same.
- Registering as a donor is a choice you make during license renewal or through your state's health department website.
- Medical professionals use the symbol to quickly identify your donor status if you are hospitalized or declared brain dead.
- Your family may still be consulted about donation even with the symbol present, depending on your state's laws.
How the donor registry works in your state
When you renew or explore for a driver license, the DMV asks whether you want to register as a donor. Your answer goes into your state's donor registry, a database that hospitals and organ procurement organizations can access. If you say yes, the heart symbol appears on your license as proof of your choice. If you say no or skip the question, no symbol prints.
You do not have to decide at the DMV. Most states let you register through their health department website, by phone, or through organizations like Donate Life America. You can also change your mind at any time — removing yourself from the registry is usually as straightforward as updating your DMV record or contacting your state's donor program directly.
The registry is separate from your medical records. Hospitals do not automatically know you are a donor just because you have the symbol; they look it up in the state system when needed. This separation protects your privacy while ensuring your wishes are documented in an official place.
What happens when you are registered as a donor
If you are hospitalized and declared brain dead, medical staff will check your donor status. They look at your driver license first — if the heart symbol is there, they know to contact your state's donor registry to confirm. They will also reach out to your family to discuss which organs and tissues you want to donate and to answer any medical questions.
Organ donation only happens after brain death is declared by a doctor. The process requires two separate neurological exams confirming that all brain function has stopped. This is a medical information, not a decision made by the transplant team. Your organs are kept functioning on life support until the donation surgery can take place.
Not all registered donors end up donating. Medical conditions, infections, or damage to organs can make donation impossible. The procurement team evaluates your health history and current condition to determine which organs and tissues are suitable. Your family is informed of what can and cannot be used.
Registering or removing yourself from the donor list
To register as a donor, you can mark the box when you renew your driver license at the DMV. Most states also offer online registration through their health department website — search "[your state] organ donor registry" to find the direct link. Some states use the Donate Life America website, which covers multiple states in one place.
You can register by phone in many states. Call your state's health department and ask for the organ donor program, or contact Donate Life America at 1-800-355-DONATE. Have your driver license number ready. Registration usually takes less than five minutes.
To remove yourself from the registry, contact your state's donor program or update your choice at the DMV during your next license renewal. Some states let you opt out online. Keep in mind that removing yourself does not affect a license you already have — the heart symbol will stay on your current license until you renew.
The difference between the heart symbol and a donor card
The heart symbol on your license is an official record in your state's registry. A donor card is a physical card you carry that states your wishes. The symbol is more reliable because hospitals can verify it in the state system, while a card can be lost, damaged, or questioned.
Some people carry both. The card serves as a backup and makes your wishes visible to family members or first responders who might not check the license. If you have a donor card, keep it in your wallet near your license. Write your state's donor registry phone number on the back so family members know how to confirm your status.
If you registered as a donor years ago and no longer have your original card, you do not need to request a new one. Your registration in the state system is what matters. You can print a new card from your state's donor program website if you want a physical reminder.
What organs and tissues can be donated
When you register as a donor, you consent to donate organs, eyes, and tissue. The specific items that can be recovered depend on your age, health history, and the condition of each organ at the time of death. Common organs include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Tissues include corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons.
You cannot choose which specific organs to donate through the driver license symbol alone. If you want to restrict donation to certain organs or exclude others, you need to discuss this with your family and document it in writing. Some states offer more detailed donor designation forms that let you specify your preferences. Contact your state's donor program to learn what options are available.
Even if you register as a donor, your family will be asked to consent before donation happens. This conversation gives them a chance to discuss your wishes and ask questions. Having the heart symbol on your license makes it clear what you wanted, which can ease the decision for your family during a difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the heart symbol mean my organs will definitely be donated?
No. The symbol shows you registered as a donor, but donation only happens if you are declared brain dead and your organs are medically suitable. Your family is also consulted and can decline donation. The symbol documents your choice, not a may provide.
Can I change my mind after I register?
Yes. You can remove yourself from the donor registry at any time by contacting your state's donor program or updating your choice at the DMV. The change takes effect when ready in the state system, though the symbol will remain on your current license until renewal.
What if I want to donate only certain organs?
The driver license symbol does not let you specify which organs. Contact your state's donor program to ask about detailed donor designation forms. You can also discuss your preferences with your family and ask them to honor your wishes if the time comes.
Will registering as a donor affect my medical care?
No. Doctors treat all patients equally regardless of donor status. Donation only happens after brain death is declared, which is determined by medical tests, not by whether someone is a registered donor.
How do I know if I am already registered?
Check your driver license for the heart symbol. You can also contact your state's donor program or search the Donate Life America registry online to confirm your status. If you are unsure, call your state health department.