You can remove your organ donor status at the DMV or online through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

New York lets you change your organ donor choice at any time, whether you registered when you got your license or want to reverse a decision you made years ago. You have three ways to do it: in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through the online portal if you have a valid New York driver's license or ID card. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

Your choice is private and does not affect your license itself—you will keep the same card and number. The DMV updates your donor status in its system, and that change is what hospitals and transplant coordinators see if you are ever in a situation where donation becomes relevant.

Key Takeaways

  • You can remove your donor status online through the DMV's website, by phone at 518-402-4368, in person at any DMV office, or by mail with a signed form.
  • If you remove your status online or by phone, the change takes effect when ready in the DMV system.
  • Removing your donor status does not change your physical license card—you do not need a replacement.
  • You will need your driver's license or ID number and date of birth to make the change online or by phone.

Remove your donor status online through the DMV portal

Go to dmv.ny.gov and log into your account using your New York driver's license or ID number and date of birth. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one on the same page. Once you are logged in, look for the option labeled "Organ Donor" or "Donation" in your profile settings.

Select the option to remove yourself from the donor registry. The system will ask you to confirm your choice. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready. You will see a confirmation message on screen, and you can print or save it if you want a record. The DMV updates its system right away, so there is no waiting period.

Call the DMV to remove your donor status by phone

Call the New York State DMV at 518-402-4368 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license or ID number and date of birth ready. Tell the representative you want to remove your organ donor status.

The representative will confirm your identity and process the removal over the phone. This takes about five minutes. Your status is updated in the system when ready, and the representative can give you a confirmation number if you ask for one. Write it down in case you need to reference the change later.

Remove your donor status in person at a DMV office

Visit any New York State DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card. Tell the clerk at the counter that you want to remove your organ donor designation. They will ask you to sign a form confirming the change. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You do not need an appointment for this change at most offices, but you can check dmv.ny.gov to find the location nearest you and see current wait times. Bring your license or ID so the clerk can verify your identity. You will receive a receipt showing the change was processed.

Remove your donor status by mail

read the MV-44 form (process to Amend or Correct a Driver License or Non-Driver ID Record) from the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. In the section for changes you want to make, check the box for "Remove Organ Donor Designation" or write it clearly in the comments section.

Sign the form and mail it to the address listed on the form, which is typically the DMV Processing Bureau in Albany. Include a copy of both sides of your current driver's license or ID card. Mail takes about two to three weeks to process, so this is the slowest option. Once the DMV receives and processes your form, they will send you a confirmation letter.

What happens after you remove your donor status

Once your removal is processed, the DMV's system shows you are no longer a registered organ donor. Hospitals and transplant organizations can only see what is in the state registry, so removing your status there is what matters. Your physical license card does not change—you do not need a replacement, and your license number stays the same.

If you change your mind later and want to become a donor again, you can register through the same methods: online, by phone, in person, or by mail. There is no limit to how many times you can change your choice. Your decision is always yours to make.

Common reasons people remove their donor status

Some people remove their status because their beliefs or circumstances have changed. Others do it because they want to discuss the decision with family members first, or because they registered without fully thinking it through. A few people remove it temporarily while they gather more information, then register again later.

Whatever your reason, the DMV does not ask you to explain it. You have the right to change your mind at any time, and the process is straightforward. No one will try to talk you out of it or ask follow-up questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing my donor status show up on my physical license card?

No. Your license card itself does not change. The DMV updates your status in its internal system only. If you want a new card for any reason, you can request one, but you do not need to.

How long does it take for the removal to go into effect?

If you remove your status online or by phone, it takes effect when ready. If you mail in a form, allow two to three weeks for processing. Once processed, the change is permanent in the DMV system.

Can I remove my donor status if I have an out-of-state license?

No. You can only change your New York donor status through the New York DMV. If you have a license from another state, you would need to contact that state's DMV. Each state manages its own donor registry.

Will removing my status affect my license renewal?

No. Your donor status is separate from your license record. Removing it does not change your renewal date, cost, or any other part of your license.

What if I want to register as a donor again after removing my status?

You can register again at any time using the same methods: online, by phone, in person, or by mail. There is no waiting period or penalty for changing your mind.