You can remove your organ donor status in Texas through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you change your organ donor status at any time, even if you said yes when you first got your license. The state does not require a reason. You have three ways to remove the designation: online through the DPS website (fastest), by mail with a signed form, or by visiting a DPS office in person. The online method takes minutes and updates your record when ready.

Your driver's license itself will not change right away — the physical card still shows your old status until you renew it. But your record in the state system updates when ready, and that is what hospitals and emergency responders check. You do not need to wait for a new card to be printed.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to remove organ donor status is through the DPS online portal at dps.texas.gov, which updates your record in minutes.
  • You can also mail a signed Anatomical Gift Donation form (Form DL-54) to the DPS address, though this takes one to two weeks to process.
  • Visiting a DPS office in person with your driver's license and a signed form removes the status when ready and is an option if you prefer face-to-face confirmation.
  • Your physical driver's license card will still show the old status until you renew it, but hospitals and emergency responders see your updated record in the state system.

Removing your status online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Anatomical Gift Donation" or "Organ Donor" section under driver's license services. You will need your Texas driver's license number and a valid email address. The site will ask you to confirm your identity and then select the option to decline or remove organ donor status.

Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your record changes in the state system right away, even though your physical card still shows your old choice. This method works 24 hours a day and requires no paperwork or phone calls.

Removing your status by mail

read or request the Anatomical Gift Donation form (Form DL-54) from the DPS website. Print it, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your driver's license or state ID. The DPS processes mail requests in one to two weeks.

You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to request the form by mail if you do not want to print it yourself. Once the DPS receives and processes your signed form, they will send you a confirmation letter. Your record updates before your physical card arrives, so hospitals will see the change when ready.

Removing your status in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license or state ID. Tell the staff member you want to remove your organ donor designation. They will have you sign the Anatomical Gift Donation form (Form DL-54) and process it on the spot. Your record updates when ready.

This method is useful if you want to confirm the change was made or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary by location. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

What happens to your physical driver's license card

Your driver's license card will continue to show your old organ donor status (usually a heart symbol or the words "Organ Donor") until you renew it. This can feel confusing, but it does not matter for medical purposes. Hospitals and emergency responders check the state database, not the card itself, so they will see your updated choice when ready.

When you renew your license for any reason — expiration, address change, name change — you can ask the DPS to print a new card without the organ donor designation. You do not have to wait for your license to expire to get a new card; you can request an early renewal if the old status on your card bothers you.

When your change takes effect

The state system updates your record within minutes of your online request or within one to two weeks of your mailed form. Once it is in the system, that is what matters. If you are in an accident or medical emergency the day after you remove your status online, hospitals will see that you are no longer a donor.

If you removed your status by mail and are worried about the processing time, you can call the DPS to confirm your change was received and entered into the system. Having that confirmation can give you peace of mind while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Changing your mind again later

You can add organ donor status back to your license at any time using the same three methods: online, by mail, or in person. There is no waiting period, no penalty, and no limit to how many times you can change your choice. Your decision is yours alone, and Texas makes it straightforward to change it whenever you want.

Some people remove the designation temporarily for personal reasons and add it back later. Others remove it permanently. The state does not ask why, and you do not have to explain your choice to anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing organ donor status affect my driver's license renewal?

No. Removing organ donor status does not change your license renewal date, cost, or requirements. When you renew for any reason, you can choose whether to add or keep the organ donor designation off your new card.

Can I remove organ donor status if someone else is listed as my representative?

Yes. Your choice overrides any representative or family member's wishes. You are the only person who can change your organ donor status, and you do not need permission from anyone else.

What if I remove my status but my family does not know?

Your family can still donate your organs if they choose to, even if you removed the designation. However, most hospitals will honor your documented choice in the state system over a family member's request. If you want your family to know your wishes, tell them directly.

Does removing organ donor status show up on a background check?

No. Organ donor status is not part of a criminal or employment background check. It is a separate medical record kept by the state and shared only with hospitals and emergency responders.

Can I remove the status if my license is expired?

Yes. You can remove organ donor status using any of the three methods even if your license is expired. You will need your license number, which you can find on your expired card or by contacting the DPS.