Many people wish to become organ donors to potentially save lives after they pass away. However, it can be unclear whether you are registered as an organ donor on your driver’s license if you do not remember signing up. Fortunately, there are a few quick ways to check your organ donor status in Illinois.
In Illinois, you can register as an organ donor when applying for or renewing your driver’s license. If you registered, a small red heart will appear on the front of your license. This is the easiest way to tell at a glance if you are registered as an organ donor in Illinois.
If there is no red heart on your license, that does not necessarily mean you are not an organ donor. Your status may not be updated on your physical license. To confirm your current organ donor registration status, there are two ways you can check in Illinois.
Check the Donor Registry
The first way to check is through the Donor Registry of Illinois. This registry allows you to look up your organ donor status.
To check online, go to the Donor Registry website at https://www.donatelifeillinois.org/. Click on the “Am I Registered?” link at the top of the page.
You will need to enter your driver’s license number, state ID number, or last name and date of birth. After entering this information, it will let you know if you are listed as an organ donor in the Donor Registry.
If it states you are registered, that confirms you are an organ donor in Illinois even if the heart icon does not appear on your license. If you are not registered, you can sign up to become an organ donor through the Donor Registry website.
Benefits of the Donor Registry
Checking the Illinois Donor Registry is the best way to get an accurate and up-to-date record of your organ donor status. Here are some key benefits of using the Donor Registry:
- It is linked to the DMV database and hospital systems, so your wishes are accessible.
- You can easily sign up online even if you forgot to when getting your license.
- You can edit your status at any time if you change your mind.
- Your organ donor status will remain up-to-date.
By checking the Donor Registry, you can resolve any inconsistencies with the heart icon displayed on your physical license.
Contact the DMV
The other way to check your organ donor status is by contacting the Illinois DMV directly. You can call the DMV phone number at (800) 252-8980 to inquire about your donor registration.
When you call, you will need to provide your license or state ID number. The DMV representative can then look up your record and see if you are listed as an organ donor in their system.
This may provide more definitive information than just looking for the heart icon on your physical license. It ensures your registration is actually recorded properly in the DMV database.
DMV Database
The DMV maintains a database with your driver’s license and organ donor registration information. When you register as an organ donor at the DMV, they will store this consent form in their system.
Hospitals can access the DMV database to check consent at the time of death. So it is important your organ donor wishes are accurately recorded with the DMV.
Update Your Status
If you learn your organ donor status is not up-to-date based on checking the Donor Registry or contacting the DMV, you will need to update your registration. Here is how to update your status to become an organ donor in Illinois:
- Visit the Donor Registry website and click “Register Now.”
- Enter your driver’s license or state ID card information.
- Answer health questions to determine eligibility.
- Give consent and submit your registration.
Once successfully registered through the Donor Registry, notify the DMV so they can update your records as well. You can call the DMV or visit a location in-person to change your status.
Going forward, the heart icon should then appear on your newly issued driver’s license or state ID as proof of registration. And hospitals will be able to confirm your consent through the Donor Registry.
Other Ways to Register
In addition to registering online through the Donor Registry or at the DMV, there are a couple other ways you can sign up to be an organ donor in Illinois:
- When applying for health insurance – Many insurance providers will give you the option to register as an organ donor during enrollment.
- Through the Department of Public Health – You can fill out a paper organ donor form and mail it to the DPH.
However, the Donor Registry provides the most seamless and effective way to sign up. It ensures your name is added to the state database that hospitals check for consent.
Who Can Be an Organ Donor
Most people can potentially become organ donors, but there are some requirements and restrictions in Illinois:
– You must be at least 18 years old to sign up.
– Minors can register with parental consent.
– There are some medical conditions that may prevent donation.
– You can specify what organs you would like to donate.
– Some religious and cultural beliefs may prohibit donation.
When you register, you will be asked health screening questions to determine which organs you may be able to donate. There are also options to place usage restrictions or limit your consent only to certain organs.
Conclusion
Checking your Illinois driver’s license organ donor status only takes a few quick steps. Looking for the red heart icon, checking the Donor Registry, or contacting the DMV can clarify if you are registered.
By accurately confirming your status, you can update your registration if needed to ensure your wishes to become an organ donor are followed. Registering online through the Donor Registry provides the most efficient way to sign up or edit your preferences at any time.
Organ donation is a profound way to save lives. Over 4,700 people in Illinois are waiting for transplants. Just taking a moment to verify and update your organ donor registration helps ensure your gift can be honored after your passing.