Time to update
your ID
The Real ID deadline is coming up and if you’re one of the 60% of Minnesotans who still need to update their drivers license, you have an opportunity to make a real difference when you say YES to organ donation.
Check the box on your Real ID application or join the national donor registry online today!
Let’s get real about Real ID
From documents to deadlines, details and DMV locations – there are many frequently asked questions about how to get Real ID ready. Here’s what you need to know:
Check the Box
Register as an organ donor by checking the box on your application.
The Deadline
May 7, 2025 is the federal REAL ID full enforcement deadline.
Required Documents
Click here to find all of the required documents to get your Real ID.
Join the national organ donor registry
Regardless of your age, health, religion, gender or race, everyone can share the gift of life. Use this secure form to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
This registration is a binding, legal document of gift. You affirm the information provided is accurate. You agree upon death to donate all eligible organs and tissues for transplant, education and research.* The National Donate Life Registry is managed by Donate Life America. You can update or remove your registration or specify more detailed donation preferences at any time at RegisterMe.org.
*Per the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, registration for organ, eye and tissue donation (anatomical gift) includes donation for transplantation, therapy, research or education.
Are you curious about how donation happens?
One organ donor can save and heal more than 75 lives! Organ donation is a rare, complex process and people often wonder how it works. Learn more about the role of hospitals, transplant centers and organ procurement organizations and how families are supported every step of the way.
Have more questions? We’ve got answers!
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions so you can make an informed choice to register as a donor.
Need more information? Contact us!
Everyone has the right to sign up to donate their organs, eyes and tissues at the time of their death. Your age or health does not prevent you from registering. Most health conditions do not prevent donation and age is not a factor – the oldest organ donor was 95! Medical advances now allow people with chronic conditions, cancer, HIV and hepatitis to donate. Don’t rule yourself out – register today!
Watch these videos:
Am I too old to donate?
Am I healthy enough to be a donor?
When you register as a donor you are making a legal decision to donate your organs, eyes and tissues to help others after your death. It also means your decision will be honored. It’s important to talk with your family and loved ones so they can be prepared to support your choice at the time of your death.
Registering as a donor in the national donor registry authorizes organ, eye and tissue donation for transplant. You may also authorize donation for research and education and / or list any existing registration with a specific research program on the Access Your Registration page on the registry website. You can list specific research program information under Donation Specifications.
What can be donated:
- Organs: Heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, intestines
- Tissues: Eyes / corneas, heart valves, bone and associated tissue, skin, veins and arteries, nerves
When it comes to waiting for an organ transplant, we are all created equal. Wealthy or famous individuals cannot and do not get bumped up higher on the national transplant waiting list. The waiting list is actually a pool of people that takes into account many factors, such as:
- Blood type
- Body size
- Severity of patient’s medical condition
- Distance between the donor’s hospital and the patient’s hospital
- The patient’s waiting time
- Whether the patient is healthy enough for surgery
There is no cost to your family. If you decide to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, your family will NOT have to pay for any medical expenses associated with the donation.
All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and consider it a generous act of caring. Check out this list of the major religions practiced in the United States and their position on donation.
Watch this video:
Which religions support organ, eye and tissue donation?
Yes. If you are taken to the hospital after an accident or injury, it is the hospital’s number one priority to save YOUR life. Your status as a donor is not even considered until every effort has been made to try to save your life. To even be considered for donation, a patient must be on a ventilator and either declared brain dead or suffer cardiac death.
Yes! If you and your family were planning on an open casket funeral or viewing, these plans should not be affected by donation.
Let’s get real about saving lives – register today!
Helping others through donation is one of the most generous and selfless gifts you can give.
It only takes a few minutes to make a big difference!