You can remove your organ donor status through the DMV, by mail, or online

If you registered as an organ donor when you got your New York driver's license and have changed your mind, you can remove that designation without renewing your license. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers three ways to do this: in person at a DMV office, by mail using a form, or through the online portal if you have a MyDMV account. You do not need to pay a fee, and the change takes effect when ready once the DMV processes your request.

Your decision to remove organ donor status is personal and final. Once you remove it, you will not be listed in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, and your family cannot override that choice after your death. If you change your mind again later, you can re-register as a donor through any of these same methods.

Key Takeaways

  • You can remove your organ donor status in person at any DMV office, by mailing a signed form, or through your MyDMV online account.
  • The change is free and takes effect as soon as the DMV processes your request, which typically happens within two to four weeks by mail.
  • Removing your status from the driver's license also removes you from the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.
  • Your decision is legally binding, and your family cannot override it after your death, so make sure this is what you want.

Removing your status in person at a DMV office

Walk into any DMV office in New York with your current driver's license and ask to remove your organ donor designation. You do not need an appointment for this change. Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to opt out of the organ donor program. They will process the change on the spot, and you will receive a receipt showing the update has been made.

Bring your current driver's license with you. If you have moved since you got your license and your address has changed, bring a piece of mail or other document showing your current address — the DMV may ask for it. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the change is effective when ready, though it may take a few days to appear in the state registry.

Removing your status by mail

read or request the Organ and Tissue Donor Designation Change Form (Form MV-44) from the New York DMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of both sides of your current driver's license with your mailed form. Do not send your original license — send a photocopy only.

Mail your form to: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Donor Registry, P.O. Box 2500, Albany, NY 12220. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Once the DMV receives and processes your form, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Keep this letter as proof that your status has been changed.

Removing your status through MyDMV online

If you have a MyDMV account, you can log in and change your organ donor status directly through the portal. Go to the New York DMV website, click "MyDMV," and sign in with your username and password. Navigate to the section for license information or donor registry and select the option to remove your organ donor designation.

The online change takes effect when ready in the system, though it may take a few days to update across all state databases. You will receive a confirmation email once the change is complete. If you do not have a MyDMV account, you can create one using your driver's license number and other identifying information.

What happens after you remove your status

Once your removal is processed, your name is taken off the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. Your driver's license itself will not change — the donor designation will straightforward no longer be active in the system. If you renew your license later, you will not see the donor symbol on your new card unless you choose to re-register.

Your family will be notified of your decision only if you tell them. The DMV does not contact relatives. However, your choice is legally binding and cannot be overridden by family members after your death, even if they disagree with your decision. This is why it is important to be certain before you submit your removal request.

If you want to register as a donor again

Changing your mind after removing your status is straightforward. You can re-register as an organ donor through the same three methods: in person at a DMV office, by mail using Form MV-44, or through MyDMV online. You can also register when you renew your license by selecting the donor option on your renewal process.

Many people register, remove their status, and then register again as their circumstances or beliefs change. There is no limit to how many times you can make this change, and each change is processed at no cost.

Common reasons people remove their status

People remove their organ donor status for many reasons: religious or cultural beliefs, concerns about medical care, family disagreement, or straightforward a change in personal preference. Some people worry that being registered as a donor might affect how doctors treat them in an emergency — this is a common concern, but doctors' primary duty is always to save your life, regardless of your donor status. Your medical care and your donor status are completely separate decisions.

If you are unsure about your decision, you can take time to think it through before submitting your removal request. There is no rush, and you can always change your mind later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing my donor status change my driver's license?

No. Your physical license card stays the same. The donor symbol will no longer be active in the state system, but the card itself does not change until you renew it. If you renew your license later and do not re-register as a donor, your new card will not have the donor symbol.

Can my family override my decision to remove my donor status?

No. Once you remove your status, your family cannot override that choice after your death. Your decision is legally binding. This is why it is important to tell your family members about your wishes if you think they might disagree.

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

In-person removals take effect when ready. Mail-in removals typically take two to four weeks. Online removals through MyDMV take effect when ready in the system, though it may take a few days to update across all state databases. You will receive confirmation once the change is complete.

What if I change my mind and want to be a donor again?

You can re-register as a donor at any time using the same three methods: in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through MyDMV online. There is no limit to how many times you can change your status, and there is no cost.

Do I need to bring anything with me if I remove my status in person?

Bring your current driver's license. If your address has changed since you got your license, bring a piece of mail or document showing your current address. That is all you need.