How to become an organ donor in Texas

The decision to donate a loved one’s organs is possibly one of the most difficult conversations for any family. Still, it is one of the most important.

Within Hispanic families, religious and cultural beliefs complicate those conversations.

“Convincing a family to donate the organs of a loved one who has just passed away or is about to pass away is a very difficult task because by then, the family is already deeply grieving,” said Rafael Zambrana, a family care development specialist with Southwest Transplant Alliance in Dallas.

“As Hispanics, we must understand that we need to have these types of conversations with our loved ones to define our position on the issue of organ donation,” Zambrana said. “Culturally, it’s something we must begin to do.”

In Texas, 40% of patients waiting for a transplant are of Hispanic origin, but Hispanic people make up only 15% of the donor list.

According to Donate Life Texas, the state organ donation registry, 2024 was a record year for organ transplants, with 4,418. About 10,000 Texans are awaiting a life-saving transplant right now.

Registering allows you to give your legal authorization for organ, eye and tissue donation after death. Here’s how to do it.

How to register online to be an organ donor

Visit Donate Life Texas at donatelifetexas.org and click “Register Now”.

How to register at the driver’s license office

When applying for or renewing your Texas driver’s license or ID card, you can indicate your desire to be an organ donor.

Register at the DMV

You can also register as a donor when renewing your vehicle registration at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Share your decision

Once registered, sharing your decision with your family is essential so that they know your wishes.

Can family members overturn the decision?

In Texas, a family member cannot typically override or revoke a deceased person’s decision to donate organs, eyes and tissue if that decision was made through a legally recognized means like a donor card, driver’s license designation, or Donate Life Texas registry.

Do you or your insurance pay if you donate after death?

Registering to be a donor doesn’t impact your medical care or create any costs to you or your family. The donor family is never billed for expenses related to the donation. The donor family is not paid for any donations, which would violate federal and state laws.

How to become a living donor

You can register to be a living organ donor (like a kidney) and can choose a specific recipient or donate to a general waiting list.

In Texas, individuals wishing to be living organ donors can register with the National Donate Life Registry. This national registry reduces barriers for potential donors and allows people between 18 and 65 who have registered as deceased donors to also register as living kidney donors.

A comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation will be conducted to assess your health and suitability for donation. This includes lab tests, physical exams, and potentially psychological evaluations. Discuss your decision with your family and ensure they are supportive.