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You and $2 Program

Minnesotans can contribute $2 (or more!) to support education about organ, eye and tissue donation on their driver’s license or state ID application or when they renew their motor vehicle registration each year.

The money raised through the “You and $2” program supports public education about donation as part of the state’s commitment to ensuring Minnesotans have access to information that allows them to make a positive decision about registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. The program is made possible by passage of a bi-partisan bill during the 2011 legislative session and became effective January 2012. Since then, the program has raised over $1.2 million, thanks to you.

Who receives the money?
Funds raised through the “You and $2” program are held with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The Commissioner of Public Safety will disburse the funds through grants to organizations like LifeSource or the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank, or to a nonprofit that is dedicated to advocacy for organ, eye and tissue donation.

What are examples of how it’s used?
Public education about organ and tissue donation is focused on providing information to the people in our communities so that they can make an informed decision about registering to be a donor. Much of LifeSource’s public education activities are centered on high school and driver’s education, helping volunteers share their story with their community through outreach, events and media relations, and connecting with people online to provide accurate information and inspiration around donation.

Can more than $2 be donated? Yes! Any donation is welcomed and appreciated.

How to Contribute

If you would like to support this program, there are two ways you can contribute:

  1. If you renew your tabs in person you can tell the clerk that you would like to make a donation to support education about organ, eye and tissue donation. They will add $2 to your registration fee. Most vehicle owners can make this life-saving contribution, however certain classes of vehicles are excluded. Please review the list at the bottom of this page.
  2. If you renew your tabs online or by mail, you can make a separate, tax-deductible donation through LifeSource. Currently, the state’s online and mail systems are not able to handle these contributions directly.

If I contribute $2 when applying for or renewing my license, am I automatically registered as a donor?
No, the contribution is separate from registering as a donor and goes toward supporting public education about organ and tissue donation. You can also register as a donor when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or ID card.

Can people contribute to the program without renewing their license?
This program allows a person to contribute $2 to donation education when applying for or renewing their driver’s license. To make a contribution to donation education at any time, visit our ways to give page.

The following types of vehicles are not able to make a $2 contribution to donation education when owners renew in-person:

  • Drive-away / In-transit (§168.053)
  • Fleet vehicles (§168.127)
  • International Registration Plan (Prorate) (§168.187)
  • Dealers (§168.27)

More Information
Register to be a donor or browse our website for more information about our programs and information on donation.