You can remove your organ donor status in Texas through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office
Texas lets you change your organ donor choice at any time, separate from renewing or replacing your license. The state does not require you to explain why. You have three ways to make the change: online through the DPS website (fastest), by mailing a signed form to the state, or by visiting a driver license office in person. None of these methods costs money.
The online method takes minutes and updates your record when ready. The mail route takes one to two weeks. In-person changes are processed the same day. If you want to remove the designation without getting a new physical license card, the online or mail methods work best — your record changes even though your card still shows the old status.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove your organ donor status online at the Texas DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- The online change updates your record right away, but your physical license card will still show the old status until you renew it.
- If you mail a form, send it to the DPS address listed on their website and allow one to two weeks for processing.
- Visiting a driver license office in person lets you change your status and get a new card with the updated information on the same day, though you may pay a replacement fee.
Removing your status online through the DPS website
The Texas Department of Public Safety website has a dedicated tool for changing your organ donor choice. Go to the DPS driver license page, find the section for organ donor registration changes, and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You will answer a few questions to confirm your identity, then select the option to remove your donor status.
Once you submit the change online, your record updates when ready in the state system. Hospitals and transplant coordinators can see the change right away if they look up your record. However, your physical license card will still print the old status until you renew or replace it. If you want the card itself to reflect the change, you will need to get a replacement card, which involves a separate trip and may carry a fee.
The online method works best if you want the fastest update to your official record and do not mind that your card shows the old information temporarily. Many people use this route because it requires no paperwork, no waiting, and no in-person visit.
Removing your status by mail
You can mail a signed form to the Texas DPS to remove your donor status. The form is called the "Organ Donor Designation Change" form and is available on the DPS website as a PDF. Print it, sign it, and include a copy of your driver license (front and back) or state ID card.
Mail the form and copy to the address listed on the DPS website for organ donor changes. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter, but you can call the DPS to verify the change went through if you want to be certain. Like the online method, changing your status by mail does not change your physical card — it only updates your record in the state system.
This method works if you prefer not to use the online system or if you want a paper trail showing you made the request. Keep a copy of what you mail for your own records.
Removing your status in person at a driver license office
You can walk into any Texas driver license office and ask to remove your organ donor designation. Bring your current driver license or state ID. Tell the clerk you want to change your organ donor status. They will have you sign a form confirming the change.
The change is processed when ready and recorded in the state system. If you want a new physical card that reflects the removal, the office can issue one the same day. A replacement card costs money — the fee varies but is typically around $20 to $30, depending on whether you are replacing a regular license or a commercial one. If you do not want a new card, you can make the change for free and leave with your old card.
The in-person route is best if you want the fastest physical card update or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. It also lets you confirm the change was recorded before you leave the office.
What happens to your record after you remove the designation
Once you remove your organ donor status through any method, Texas hospitals and transplant organizations can see that you are no longer registered as a donor. The state maintains a registry, and medical professionals check it during end-of-life situations. Removing your name from the donor registry means hospitals will not recover your organs for transplant, even if your family members ask them to.
Your removal is permanent unless you change your mind and re-register as a donor later. You can re-register through the same online tool, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. There is no waiting period or limit on how many times you can change your choice.
Timing and what to expect at each step
| Method | Time to Update Record | Physical Card Updated | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online through DPS website | when ready | No, until you renew or replace | Free |
| Mail signed form | 1 to 2 weeks | No, until you renew or replace | Free |
| In person, no new card | Same day | No | Free |
| In person, with new card | Same day | Yes, same day | $20–$30 |
The online method is fastest for updating your record in the state system. The mail method is slowest but requires no visit. In-person visits let you get a new card on the spot if you want one, but you pay a replacement fee. If you only care about your record being updated and not about what your physical card says, online or mail are the cheapest options.
Why your physical card may not match your record
Texas driver licenses are printed with your organ donor status at the time you get the card. When you change your status online or by mail, the state updates its registry, but the card itself does not change. This mismatch can be confusing, but it does not matter in practice — hospitals check the state registry, not your card, when they need to know your donor status.
If the mismatch bothers you or if you want your card to be current, you can get a replacement card through the DPS. This is a separate transaction from changing your donor status and involves its own fee and processing time. Many people skip this step because the registry is what counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to explain why I want to remove my donor status?
No. Texas does not require you to give a reason. Whether you are changing your mind for religious reasons, personal preference, or any other reason, you straightforward request the change and it is processed. The DPS does not ask for an explanation.
Will my family be notified if I remove my donor status?
No. The DPS does not notify your family members. If you want them to know about your choice, you will need to tell them yourself. This is important because family members sometimes override a donor's wishes if they do not know the person's actual preference.
Can I remove my status if I am out of state?
Yes. You can use the online method from anywhere with internet access, or you can mail the form from anywhere. You do not have to be in Texas to make the change. If you want a new physical card, you will need to visit a Texas driver license office or wait until you renew your license in person.
What if I change my mind and want to be a donor again?
You can re-register as a donor through the same three methods: online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. There is no penalty or waiting period. You can change your choice as many times as you want.
Does removing my donor status affect my driver's license in any other way?
No. Your license remains valid and active. Changing your organ donor status does not affect your driving record, your license expiration date, or any other part of your license. It is a separate choice that has nothing to do with your ability to drive.