ORG stands for organ donor on your Illinois driver's license
The letters "ORG" printed on your Illinois driver's license mean you have registered as an organ donor. This is a voluntary choice you make when you get or renew your license. It does not automatically donate your organs — it straightforward marks your license so that medical professionals know you have expressed a willingness to donate if you die.
Illinois uses this abbreviation to save space on the physical card. When you see "ORG" on your license, it tells anyone checking your license (including hospital staff in an emergency) that you have made this decision. The marking itself is not a legal document; it is a flag that points to your official registration in the state's donor registry.
Key Takeaways
- ORG on your license means you registered as an organ donor when you applied for or renewed your Illinois driver's license.
- The marking is voluntary and does not automatically remove your organs — it only signals your stated intent to medical professionals.
- Your family can still make decisions about donation at the time of death, even if your license shows ORG.
- You can remove the ORG designation by requesting a new license or updating your registration through the Illinois Secretary of State.
How the ORG marking gets on your license
When you renew or explore for an Illinois driver's license, the Secretary of State's office asks whether you want to register as an organ donor. If you say yes, the word "DONOR" or the letters "ORG" will appear on your license. You do not have to answer yes — it is entirely your choice.
You can also register as an organ donor without getting a new license by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State website or calling their office. If you register that way, your next license will show the ORG marking. Some people register online and then see it appear when they renew.
What ORG does and does not do
Having ORG on your license tells hospital staff and organ procurement organizations that you have stated a willingness to donate. It makes the process faster because medical professionals do not have to search for your wishes — they can see them on your ID.
However, ORG does not mean your organs will definitely be taken. Your family still has the right to make decisions at the time of death. Hospital staff will typically contact your next of kin to confirm your wishes and discuss which organs or tissues can be donated. In some cases, medical conditions or the way you die may mean donation is not possible, regardless of what your license says.
The ORG marking also does not affect your medical care while you are alive. Doctors treat you the same way whether or not you are a registered donor.
How to remove the ORG marking from your license
If you change your mind about organ donation, you can remove the ORG marking by requesting a new license from the Illinois Secretary of State. You do not have to give a reason. When you explore for renewal or replacement, straightforward tell the staff member that you do not want to be registered as a donor.
You can also update your donor status online through the Illinois Secretary of State website without getting a new physical license, though the marking will not change on your current card until you renew it. If you want to remove it when ready, requesting a replacement license is the fastest way.
Where your donor information is actually stored
The ORG on your license is just a visual indicator. Your actual donor registration is stored in the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry, which is maintained by the Secretary of State. This registry is what hospitals and organ procurement organizations check when they need to confirm your wishes.
Your registration in this registry is separate from your license. Even if your license is expired or lost, your donor status remains in the registry unless you remove it. This is why registering online or by phone works — you are adding yourself to the registry, and the license marking is just a convenience.
What happens if you move to another state
If you move out of Illinois and get a driver's license in a new state, that state will not automatically know about your Illinois donor registration. Each state maintains its own donor registry. You will need to register again in your new state if you want to continue as a donor. Some states have agreements that share donor information, but it is safest to register in your new state rather than assume the information transferred.
Your Illinois license will still show ORG even after you move, but hospitals in other states may not check the Illinois registry. Registering in your new state ensures your wishes are documented where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ORG on my license mean my organs will be taken when I die?
No. ORG means you have stated a willingness to donate, but your family still makes the final decision at the time of death. Hospitals will contact your next of kin to confirm your wishes and discuss which organs or tissues can be donated based on your medical condition.
Can I be a registered donor and still have an open casket funeral?
Yes. Organ and tissue donation does not prevent an open casket funeral. Donation is performed surgically, and the body is treated respectfully. Funeral arrangements can proceed normally after donation.
If I remove ORG from my license, will I still be in the donor registry?
Not if you remove your registration through the Secretary of State. When you tell them you no longer want to be a donor, they remove you from the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry. straightforward not renewing your license with the ORG marking does not remove you from the registry — you must actively request removal.
What if my family does not know I am a registered donor?
Tell your family members about your decision. Even though your license shows ORG and you are in the registry, hospitals will still contact your next of kin. If your family does not know your wishes, they may make a different choice. Having a conversation now prevents confusion later.