History of the Registry

In 2005, Texas lawmakers called for the creation of a state registry where people can indicate their intention to make an anatomical gift when they die. Initially it was called the Donor Education, Awareness, and Registry Program of Texas, or DEAR. State Representative Glenda Dawson, herself a kidney transplant recipient, led the effort to create the Registry. In 2007, the Texas Legislature changed the Registry's name to the Glenda Dawson Donate Life – Texas Registry in memory of Representative Dawson's contributions to promote organ, tissue and eye donation in Texas.

The program is funded by a $1 voluntary contribution that Texans can make when applying for or renewing their driver license or identification card, or when registering their vehicle.

What is the Registry?

The Registry is a database of individuals who have officially indicated their wish to donate organs, tissues or eyes upon their death. You may register as a donor on this Website or at your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office when you apply for or renew your driver license or identification card.

Who Operates the Registry

The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains the donor registry. Only professionals from the state's organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and tissue and eye banks can access the information in the database.

Who Can Register

Anyone can register to be an organ, tissue and eye donor.

How to Register Online

The registration process for the Glenda Dawson Donate Life – Texas Registry is simple and FAST:

• Fill out the online registration form. Check the "Electronic Signature Confirmation" box and after you click the "Submit" button your registration will be complete.
• A donor certificate is available to download.
• Signatures of the donor and witnesses are no longer required. This online registration constitutes a legal document under Texas legislation and remains binding after the donor's death. By clicking the submit button you are confirming that you wish to register to be a potential organ and /or tissue donor upon your death.
• Tell your family members about your decision to donate.

Minors (under 18) must have the registration certified by a parent or legal guardian.

Registering at DPS Offices

If you register to be a donor when you apply for or renew your driver license or identification card at your local DPS office, there will be an organ donor indicator on your license or identification card. No further action is required on your part. Your intention to be a donor is activated immediately after your information is entered into the Glenda Dawson Donate Life – Texas Registry.

Talk to Your Family

Sharing your decision with your family is an important step after you register to be a donor. After you die, health professionals may talk to your family members about recovering your organs, tissues and eyes. This is a very difficult time for any family, and if your family knows your wishes, it can help make this process easier for them. Your family will be much more likely to honor your intentions, if you have discussed your decision to become a donor with them.

Changing Your Registration Information

If you change your mind about organ donation after registering online or in person at a DPS office, or if you simply want to modify or update your donor information, you can do so by clicking on the Registry's "SIGN ME UP TODAY" (if you have not already established a User ID and Password) or "DONOR MEMBER LOGIN" (if you do have a User ID and Password) sign in and proceed to "Modification/Revocation." Follow the online instructions to make your changes.