Tag Archives: the National Donate Life Registry

Beyond the Little Heart: How to Actually Remove Yourself from the Donor Registry (Without the Guilt)

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I support anyone who chooses to be a donor—and anyone who chooses not to. After doing my own research, I decided to change my status. Not because of fear or pressure, but because consent should be current and informed, and this is a personal decision that can change over time. If you feel the same, here’s what I learned and the exact steps to take.

🎥 I filmed a short, step-by-step video walkthrough on TikTok: @breakthematrixaudrey

The One Thing No One Tells You

Removing the heart icon at the DMV only changes what’s printed on your license.
It does not automatically remove you from the state donor registry or the National Donate Life Registry. Those are separate databases that can still show you as a registered donor unless you update them directly.

Step-by-Step: Remove Yourself Everywhere

1) Remove yourself from your state donor registry

  • Go to DonateLife.net/removal
  • Choose your state and follow the instructions (each state is a little different).
  • Some states let you complete the removal online. Others may ask for an email or written request.
    • North Carolina: Use the removal option at DonateLifeNC.org (Register/Update/Remove). If your page lists a contact, email them with your full name, DOB, address, and driver’s ID and ask for written confirmation of removal.

2) Remove yourself from the National Donate Life Registry

  • Go to RegisterMe.org → Access Your Registration → remove.
  • Can’t log in because you never created an account? Email customerservice@donatelife.net and request removal; include your full name, DOB, ZIP, and a contact phone or driver’s ID so they can find the record. Ask for email confirmation when it’s done.

3) (Optional but recommended) Replace your driver’s license without the donor symbol

  • Ask your DMV for a reissued license/ID without the heart mark so your card matches your current choice.

4) Tell your family (this matters)

  • In any critical situation, hospitals also consult next-of-kin. Make sure your family knows your wishes so they can advocate for you.

Copy-Paste Email Templates

A) State Registry (use if your state requests email)

Subject: Request to Remove My Donor Registration
Hello,
I’m requesting removal from the [Your State] Donor Registry.
Full Name: [Your Name]
DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Driver’s ID (or last 4 SSN/ZIP if requested): [#####]
Address: [Your Address]

Please confirm via email when my registration has been removed.
Thank you,
[Your Name] | [Your Phone]

B) National Donate Life Registry (if you can’t log in at RegisterMe.org)

To: customerservice@donatelife.net
Subject: Formal Request for Removal from National Donate Life Registry
Hello,
I’m requesting removal of my information from the National Donate Life Registry. I am unable to access my profile online.
Full Name: [Your Name]
DOB: [MM/DD/YYYY]
ZIP: [#####]
Driver’s ID / Mobile (if helpful): [#####] / [###-###-####]

Please confirm by email once removal is complete.
Thank you,
[Your Name]

Why I Changed My Status (and why you don’t owe anyone an explanation)

I believe in organ donation and I believe in autonomy. My choice came down to:

  • Wanting my consent to be current, not assumed from a checkbox years ago.
  • Making sure my decision reflects my values today.
  • Keeping pressure and guilt out of healthcare decisions.
    Whatever you decide—that decision is valid.

About the Author

A.L. (Audrey) Childers is a North Carolina writer and researcher who helps readers navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence. Find more guides, books, and behind-the-scenes posts on TikTok @breakthematrixaudrey.

Disclaimer

This post is for information only and reflects my personal experience and research. It is not legal or medical advice. Policies and procedures can change; always follow the instructions provided by your state registry, the DMV, and the National Donate Life Registry.

Quick FAQ

Does removing the heart from my license remove me from donor databases?
No. You must update the state registry and the national registry separately.

What if I never signed up for the national registry?
Your consent may have been shared from a state/DMV process. Email customerservice@donatelife.net and request removal with confirmation.

Can I change my mind later?
Absolutely. You can re-register at any time if your decision changes.

Learn how to remove yourself from the organ donor registry the right way. Step-by-step instructions for your state registry, the National Donate Life Registry, and your DMV—plus email templates and a TikTok walkthrough by @breakthematrixaudrey.

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