DD is a designation code that appears on your Texas driver's license to indicate you are a donor on the Texas Organ Donor Registry
The letters DD printed on your Texas driver's license stand for "Donate/Donor." When this code appears on your license, it means you have registered as an organ and tissue donor through the state. Texas uses this visible marker so that hospital staff and emergency responders can quickly see your donor status without having to look it up in a database.
The DD designation is purely informational — it does not change your legal rights, affect your insurance, or obligate you to anything beyond what you agreed to when you registered. You can add it when you first get your license, renew your license, or change your status at any time through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Key Takeaways
- DD on your Texas driver's license means you are registered as an organ and tissue donor through the state registry.
- The designation is visible on the front of your license so emergency responders can see your donor status when ready.
- You can register, change your status, or remove the DD designation when you renew your license or visit a DPS office.
- Registering as a donor does not cost money and does not affect your health insurance or medical care.
How the DD designation appears on your license
The DD code prints on the front of your Texas driver's license in the lower right area, near other designation codes. It is a small, two-letter marker that stands out visually so that paramedics and hospital staff can spot it quickly in an emergency. The placement is standardized across all Texas licenses so medical personnel know exactly where to look.
If you do not see DD on your current license, it means you either did not register as a donor when you got the license, or you chose not to include the designation. You do not need to have DD on your license to be a registered donor — the registry exists separately from the license itself. However, having it visible on your license ensures that your wishes are known when ready if you cannot communicate them.
How to add DD to your Texas driver's license
You can register as a donor and add the DD designation to your license in three ways. The first is during the license process or renewal process at a Texas Department of Public Safety office — you will be asked directly whether you want to register, and if you say yes, the DD code will print on your new license.
The second way is through the online Texas Organ Donor Registry at DonateLifeTexas.org. You can register there without visiting a DPS office, and your registration will be recorded in the state system. However, if you want the DD to appear on your physical license, you will still need to request it during your next license renewal or visit a DPS office to update your license.
The third way is to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person and ask to update your donor status on your existing license. Staff can add the DD designation without requiring a full license renewal, though you may pay a small fee for the update. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers this service.
What happens when you register as a donor
When you register through the Texas Organ Donor Registry, your name and donor status are entered into a database that hospitals and organ procurement organizations can access. If you are in a situation where organ donation becomes possible — typically after brain death has been declared — medical staff will check this registry to confirm your wishes. Your family will also be informed of your donor status.
Registration does not mean organs will be taken when ready or without proper medical evaluation. Donation only occurs after a doctor has declared you dead and determined that your organs are medically suitable for transplant. The process involves multiple medical assessments and typically takes several hours. Your family can still be involved in the conversation, and in some cases they may be asked to provide additional consent.
Removing the DD designation if you change your mind
You can remove yourself from the Texas Organ Donor Registry at any time, and the DD designation will no longer appear on your license after your next renewal. To remove your registration, visit DonateLifeTexas.org and use the online form to opt out, or call the registry directly. Your change takes effect when ready in the state system.
If you want the DD removed from your current license before renewal, visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office and request a status update. You may be charged a fee for updating your license outside of the normal renewal cycle. Once you opt out, your name is removed from the donor registry and hospital staff will not see a donor designation on your license.
DD versus other codes on your Texas license
Your Texas driver's license may display several different designation codes depending on your circumstances. DD indicates organ donor status. Other common codes include restrictions on what you can drive (like corrective lenses required), endorsements for commercial driving, or medical conditions the state tracks. Each code serves a specific purpose for law enforcement, medical personnel, or licensing officials.
The DD designation is one of the few codes that is purely voluntary and relates to your personal wishes rather than legal restrictions or medical requirements. Unlike codes that restrict your driving privileges, the DD code is something you actively choose to display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having DD on my license mean my organs will definitely be used?
No. Registration indicates your willingness to donate, but actual donation depends on medical circumstances at the time of death. Your organs must be medically suitable, and you must be declared dead by a physician. Not all registered donors become actual donors because not all deaths result in circumstances where donation is possible.
Can my family override my donor status if I have DD on my license?
In Texas, your documented wishes on the registry carry legal weight. However, hospitals typically try to involve families in the conversation. If your family objects strongly, some medical centers may delay the process to discuss it, but your registration is generally considered binding. This is why it is important to tell your family about your decision.
Does registering as a donor cost money?
No. Registering through the Texas Organ Donor Registry and adding DD to your license are both free. There are no fees, no hidden costs, and no ongoing payments associated with being a registered donor.
What if I move to another state — will my DD registration still count?
Your Texas registration is recorded in the Texas system, but other states have their own registries. If you move, you can register with your new state's donor program. Many states can access the national registry, but registering locally in your new state ensures your wishes are clearly documented there.
Can I be a registered donor if I have medical conditions or take certain medications?
Most medical conditions do not disqualify you from registration. The decision about whether your organs are actually suitable for transplant is made at the time of death by medical professionals, not when you register. Register if you are willing, and let doctors determine suitability later.