Organ donation on your credential

Explanation

Choosing to be an organ donor puts a small heart symbol on the front of the credential. Under Indiana’s Donor Choice Law, anyone 18 or older can declare their intention to be a donor, and once declared, family members cannot override that decision after death.

For someone younger than 18, the intention can be declared with a parent or legal guardian’s permission — but the guardian is still the one who must give consent for donation at the time the minor dies.

Example

An 18-year-old renewing her license chooses to become an organ donor. A heart symbol is printed on her new credential, and her family will not be able to override that choice later.

Common mistake

Assuming a minor’s own declared intention is final on its own. The manual still requires the parent or guardian to consent at the time of the minor’s death, even if the minor declared intent earlier.

What the manual says

Under Indiana’s Donor Choice Law, individuals 18 years of age and older may declare their intention to be organ donors and their family members cannot override their intention at the time of death.