Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers about How to Register
- What does it mean to be an organ and tissue donor?
- Does checking the box on my driver’s license allow me to sign up to be a marrow or living organ donor?
- Does my registration grant consent for whole body donation?
- How will my family be informed of my decision?
- Who is responsible for organ and tissue donation in South Dakota?
- Who manages eye donation in South Dakota?
- What if I change my mind after I register on my driver’s license or state ID card?
What does it mean to be an organ and tissue donor?
- Every individual has the right to decide if they would like to extend the gift of life through donation. Registering as a donor on your driver’s license on state ID card helps ensure that your wish to be a donor will be fulfilled.
- Registration on your driver’s license on state ID card means that you have elected to have all of your organs and tissues made available for transplant at the time of your death. As always, it is essential that you communicate to your family your decision to be a donor.
- Your family will be informed of your decision to be an organ and tissue donor at the time of your death and asked to provide information about your medical and social history.
- If you decide to be a donor, but prefer not to register on your driver’s license, it is important to tell your family about your decision. At the time of your death, your family will be contacted to make the decision to donate on your behalf.
Does checking the box on my driver’s license allow me to sign up to be a marrow or living organ donor?
No. When you register to be an organ and tissue donor you are expressing your wish to donate your organs and tissues after death. For information on bone marrow donation, please visit the National Marrow Donor Program. For information on living donation, please click here.
Does my registration grant consent for whole body donation?
Organ and tissue donation for transplant or research is not the same as willed body donation. Willed whole body programs are usually associated with teaching hospitals at major universities, and arrangements must be made in advance directly with the institutions.
How will my family be informed of my decision?
We strongly encourage you to share your decision to be an organ and tissue donor with your family. Should you have the opportunity to become a donor, the donation coordinator at the hospital will also notify your family at the time of your death, and they will be asked to provide information about your medical and social history. Your family will be supported by our staff both at the time of donation and on an on-going basis.
Who is responsible for managing organ and tissue donation in South Dakota?
LifeSource, the non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation in the Upper Midwest, is responsible for managing organ and tissue donation in South Dakota. If you would like more information about LifeSource, please click here.
Who manages eye donation in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, eye donation is managed by the Lions Eye Bank
of South Dakota. For more information about the gift of sight,
click here.
What if I change my mind after I register on my driver’s license?
