Register online with the organ donation register – here’s how it works

The organ donation card is becoming digital. In the future, you will also be able to register online in the organ donation register if you would like to donate organs. But even if you don't want to, you can register it in the new digital application.

Until now, in Germany it was only possible to communicate one's willingness to donate via an organ donor card, a living will, another written document or verbally. However, there has always been a large gap between people who have a positive attitude towards organ donation and people who actually have an organ donor card.

According to the Federal Center for Health Education, around 80 percent of the population is positive about organ donation. However, only a third actually have a completed ID card. However, no organ can be removed in Germany without such a declaration, as this is only possible with express consent.

The situation should now improve. In the future, you will also be able to register online for organ donation in Germany.

This is how you can register online in the organ donation register

The new organ donation register is a portal of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. You can register for the digital directory on this website.

You can enter here whether you would like to donate organs after your death or not. The selection of individual organs – as was previously the case with the organ donor card – is also possible here.

You need this for your registration

You must be at least 16 years old to register. You also need an ID document with online functionality to register. This can be your identity card or an electronic residence permit or the eID card for citizens of the EU and the European Economic Area. You should also have your health insurance number and email address ready.

If you want to register using your smartphone, you must first install the ID card app. After you start submitting your declaration in the organ donation register, you have to identify yourself in this app with your ID document.

After checking your data, enter your email address and your insurance number. Now you can enter your preferences for organ donation and submit your declaration.

You will then receive a declaration ID, which you should keep. With this you can make changes or delete your declaration again.

You can also file the return on your computer. For this you also need the ID card app on your PC. You can then either carry out identification using the ID card app on your smartphone or plug in a card reader.

The online organ donation register will be put into operation gradually

The organ donation register is currently in the first phase of implementation. In July, the removal hospitals that carry out organ transplants will also be connected to the register.

Registering with your ID card is initially the only way to be included in the organ donation register. However, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices would like to add further options over the course of the year.

In the third stage from July to September, for example, it should also be possible for you to access the register via your health insurance app.

Your declaration in the organ donation register is voluntary and free of charge. You can adjust or delete them at any time.

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