The DD on your driver's license marks you as an organ and tissue donor
The DD printed on your driver's license stands for Donate Life or donor designation, depending on your state. It is a visible indicator that you have registered to donate your organs, eyes, and tissue after death. The exact letters or symbol vary by state — some use DD, others use a heart symbol or the word "Donor" — but the meaning is the same across all states.
This marking is not automatic. You must actively choose to become a donor when you explore for or renew your license, or you can register separately through your state's donor registry. The DD on your card tells medical professionals, your family, and emergency responders that you have made this decision official.
Key Takeaways
- DD or a donor symbol on your license means you have registered as an organ and tissue donor in your state.
- You choose this option when you get a new license or renew an existing one, or by registering through your state's donor registry outside the DMV.
- The marking is a legal record of your decision and helps medical professionals and your family understand your wishes.
- You can change your donor status at any time by updating your registration or requesting a new license without the designation.
How the DD gets on your license
When you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to get a new license or renew an existing one, you will be asked whether you want to register as an organ donor. This question appears on the process form or on a screen at the DMV counter. If you answer yes, the DD or donor symbol is printed on your card.
You do not have to decide at the DMV. Most states also allow you to register as a donor through a separate online registry, by mail, or through organizations like the Donate Life America network. If you register outside the DMV, your state's donor registry records your choice, but the DD will not appear on your license until you renew it or request a replacement card.
Some states print the designation automatically on renewal notices as a reminder of your previous choice, while others require you to confirm your decision each time. Check your state's DMV website to see how your state handles donor registration.
What the DD actually does
The DD on your license serves as proof of your donor registration. If you are in a hospital and declared brain dead, medical staff will check your license and your state's donor registry to confirm your wishes before approaching your family about organ recovery. The marking speeds up this process because it is visible when ready.
However, the DD on your card alone does not may provide that organ recovery will happen. Medical professionals will also check your state's official donor registry to verify your registration, because a lost or damaged license could have an outdated or incorrect marking. Your family's wishes also matter — in most states, next of kin can override a donor designation, though this is rare.
The DD is also a way to communicate your values to people who know you. If you carry the card, it signals to family members and friends that you have thought about this decision and made it official.
How to add or remove the DD from your license
To add the DD, visit your state's DMV website and look for the donor registration option. You can usually register online through your state's donor registry, by mail, or in person at the DMV. If you register online or by mail, you will need to renew your license or request a replacement card for the DD to appear. If you register in person at the DMV, the designation can be added to a new card on the spot.
To remove the DD, you can update your registration through your state's donor registry website or contact the DMV directly to request a new license without the designation. Some states allow you to opt out online; others require you to visit in person or submit a form by mail. The process varies, so check your state's specific rules.
Changing your mind does not affect any previous decisions you made. Your state's registry will reflect your current choice, and that is what medical professionals will check if the time comes.
State differences in donor designation
Not every state uses the letters DD. Some states print a heart symbol, a donor ribbon, or the word "Donor" on the license instead. A few states use multiple symbols or text to make the designation more visible. Despite these visual differences, all state designations mean the same thing: you are registered as an organ and tissue donor.
The registration process also varies slightly. Some states ask about donation when you renew your license; others ask when you first explore. Some states allow online registration that updates your registry when ready but does not change your physical card until renewal. Others require you to visit the DMV or mail in a form.
If you move to a new state, your old license's DD will still be valid as proof of your previous registration, but your new state may not recognize it. You should register with your new state's donor registry to may support your wishes are recorded in the system that medical professionals will check.
What happens if you do not have the DD
If your license does not have a DD or donor symbol, it means you have not registered as a donor in your state's system. This does not prevent organ donation from happening — your family can still authorize donation after your death, and medical professionals can still recover organs if your family consents.
However, without the DD and without a registered donor designation, the process takes longer because medical staff must contact your family to ask permission. If your family cannot be reached or disagrees about your wishes, organ recovery may not happen. Having the DD on your license removes this uncertainty and ensures your decision is known.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having DD on my license mean my organs will definitely be donated?
No. The DD indicates your registration, but medical professionals will verify your status in your state's donor registry. Your family can also override your designation in most states, though this is uncommon. Organ donation only happens if you are declared brain dead and meet medical criteria for recovery.
Can I change my mind about being a donor after the DD is on my license?
Yes. You can remove your donor designation at any time by updating your state's donor registry online, by phone, or by mail. You can also request a new license without the DD. Your current registration status is what matters, not what is printed on an old card.
What if I registered as a donor but my new license does not show the DD?
Your registration is still active in your state's donor registry, even if the card does not show it. Medical professionals check the registry, not just the card. However, if you want the DD to appear on your license, you can request a replacement card from your DMV.
Do I need to register again if I move to a different state?
Yes. Each state maintains its own donor registry. Your old state's registration will not transfer automatically. Register with your new state's donor registry to may support your wishes are recorded in the system that medical professionals in your new state will check.
What organs and tissue can be donated if I have the DD?
Organs include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. Tissue includes corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and connective tissue. Not all organs or tissue from every donor can be recovered — medical professionals determine what is suitable based on your health history and the condition of each organ at the time of death.