How can I record my decision to be an organ donor?

A conscious decision for or against organ donation creates clarity for you and your family. Document your wishes to relieve your loved ones of this responsibility in an emergency situation.

In Germany, young people from age 16 can consent to organ and tissue donation. You can object to organ donation from age 14.

The organ donation register

The easiest and most legally binding way to document this is an entry in the organ donation register. This is a central digital register kept by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM).

Registration is voluntary, free of charge, and can be changed or deleted at any time. Your entry determines

• Whether you consent to organ donation
• Which organs or tissues may be removed
• If you reject organ donation.

You can find the register at Organ donation register

The organ donor card

You can also fill in an organ donor card. It fits in any wallet. It is best to carry it with you at all times.

You can obtain the card free of charge online, from health insurance providers, many medical practices, pharmacies and local government offices.

Download organ donor card

The Advance Care Directive

You can also record your decision to be an organ donor in an Advance Care Directive. The Advance Care Directive covers medical decisions for future situations in which you can no longer decide for yourself.

You can find further information on the Advance Care Directive at Information on the Advance Care Directive from the Federal Ministry of Justice (Bundesministerium der Justiz)

Talk to your loved ones

No matter what you decide in the end, let your loved ones know about your decision. This helps them in an emergency and ensures that your personal wishes can be respected.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions and further information about organ donation at ‘No excuses for Bavaria’ (Keine Ausreden Bayern) – Frequently asked questions about organ donation