The heart symbol marks you as an organ donor
The heart symbol on your driver's license indicates that you have registered as an organ and tissue donor. When you see this symbol, it means you have given permission for your organs, tissues, and eyes to be recovered and transplanted to someone else if you die.
This symbol is not automatic. You choose whether to become a donor when you explore for or renew your license, and you can change your decision at any time. The heart appears on your license as a visual indicator to medical professionals and hospital staff that your wishes are on file.
Different states use slightly different symbols — some show a heart, others show a donor designation or the word "donor" — but they all mean the same thing. The symbol serves as a quick reference, though the actual legal record of your decision is stored in your state's donor registry, not just on the card itself.
Key Takeaways
- The heart symbol on your license tells hospitals and medical staff that you have registered as an organ and tissue donor.
- You choose to become a donor when you get or renew your license, and your choice is recorded in your state's donor registry.
- The symbol on your card is a visual reminder, but the official record exists separately in your state's system.
- You can change your donor status at any time by contacting your state's motor vehicle department or donor registry.
- If you do not want to be a donor, you do not have to select that option — it is entirely your choice.
How the donor symbol gets on your license
When you renew or explore for a driver's license, the process form or online portal will ask whether you want to register as an organ donor. If you select yes, the heart symbol (or your state's equivalent) will be printed on your license. Some states ask this question at the DMV counter; others include it in the online renewal process.
The symbol itself is just a marking on the physical card. The real registration happens in your state's donor registry — a database maintained by your state's health department or motor vehicle agency. This registry is what hospitals actually check when they need to confirm your donor status, not just the symbol on your card.
If you initially declined to be a donor but change your mind later, you do not have to wait for your license to expire. You can register through your state's donor registry website or by contacting your motor vehicle department directly. The registry update happens separately from your license, so you can become a donor when ready without getting a new card printed.
What hospitals do with the donor symbol
When someone with a donor heart symbol on their license enters a hospital in a critical condition, staff will note the symbol during intake. However, the symbol alone does not authorize organ recovery. Hospital staff must verify your donor status by checking your state's official donor registry, which is the legal record that matters.
If you are declared brain dead or meet other criteria for organ donation, the hospital will contact your family and explain the process. Your family will be informed of your wishes, and the medical team will discuss which organs and tissues are suitable for donation based on your health history and the condition of your organs at the time of death.
The donor symbol on your license is essentially a heads-up to medical staff that you have made a decision about donation. It prompts them to check the registry and inform your family of your wishes, rather than leaving the decision entirely to your relatives.
Changing or removing your donor status
Your decision to be a donor is not permanent. You can change your mind at any time by removing yourself from your state's donor registry. Most states allow you to do this online through the registry website, by phone, or by visiting a motor vehicle office in person.
If you remove your donor status from the registry, hospitals will see that decision when they check the official record, regardless of what symbol appears on your physical license card. The registry is what controls the legal outcome, not the card itself.
If you want the heart symbol removed from your license card after you have changed your donor status, you will need to renew your license or request a replacement card. Some states allow you to request a new card without waiting for renewal, while others require you to wait until your regular renewal date. Check with your state's motor vehicle department for their specific process.
What the symbol does not mean
The heart symbol does not mean your organs will automatically be taken. Organ donation requires that you meet specific medical criteria at the time of death, and your family will be involved in the process. Even with the symbol on your license, hospitals cannot proceed without confirming your status in the registry and speaking with your family.
The symbol also does not affect your medical care if you are hospitalized for a treatable condition. Doctors treat all patients with the same urgency regardless of donor status. The donation process only comes into play if you are declared brain dead or meet other criteria for donation, which is a separate information made by medical professionals.
Having the symbol does not cost you anything, and it does not mean you are giving up any part of your body while you are alive. Donation only happens after death, and only if your organs are medically suitable for transplant.
Registering as a donor if your license does not have the symbol
If your current license does not have the heart symbol but you want to become a donor, you do not need to wait for renewal. You can register through your state's donor registry directly — most states maintain a website where you can sign up in a few minutes. Search for "[your state] organ donor registry" to find the official registration site.
Once you register through the state registry, your donor status is legally recorded and hospitals can verify it. You can request a new license card with the symbol printed on it, or you can straightforward carry your registry confirmation as proof of your status. The registry record is what matters legally, not the card.
Some states also allow you to register as a donor when you renew your license online or in person at the motor vehicle office. If you are due for renewal soon, you can add your donor registration at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hospitals take my organs even if I do not want them to?
No. Hospitals check your state's official donor registry, which is the legal record. If you are not registered as a donor and have not indicated your wishes, hospitals will ask your family to make the decision. Your family's wishes generally take priority if you have not registered your own choice.
Can I be a donor if I have medical conditions or take medications?
Most medical conditions do not disqualify you from registering as a donor. Hospitals determine at the time of death whether your specific organs are suitable for transplant based on your health history. Registering as a donor does not mean all your organs will be used — only those that are medically appropriate.
What if I registered as a donor but my family objects?
Laws vary by state, but in most places your documented wishes as a registered donor take legal priority over family objections. However, hospitals often work with families to explain the process and address concerns. Having your wishes clearly registered in the state registry removes ambiguity and supports your family during a difficult time.
Does the heart symbol on my license expire?
The symbol on your physical license card lasts as long as the license itself. When you renew your license, you will be asked again whether you want to remain a donor. Your registration in the state donor registry is separate and does not expire unless you remove yourself.
Can I register as a donor if I am not a citizen?
Most states allow non-citizens to register as organ donors. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state's donor registry or motor vehicle department. Some states require a valid ID or proof of residency, but citizenship is not always a barrier.