Register your decision
It’s your decision
Donation is a personal decision and you have a choice about whether or not you want to donate.
The easiest way to record your donation decision is on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This is a simple process and only takes a few minutes. Whatever you decide, it is important to tell your family and friends as it will make it easier for them to honour your decision. You can also change your donation decision or preferences for what organs and tissue you want to donate at any time.
If you are not sure if you have already registered, call the NHS Organ Donor Register helpline on 0300 123 23 23.
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Register to be a donor
Choose this option if you agree to donating your organs and tissue in the event of your death. If you prefer to, you can choose to donate some types of organs and tissue, but not others. Please tell your family and friends about your decision.
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Register not to be a donor
Choose this option to confirm your decision NOT to donate your organs and tissue after your death. This means that you are opting out of the donation of all organs and tissue. Please tell your family and friends about your decision.
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Amend your registration
Choose this option to update your existing record with changes to personal details such as a new address, name change or to change your preferences for organ and tissue donation. Please tell your family and friends if your organ or tissue donation preferences have changed.
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Withdraw my registration
Choose this option to remove an existing registration from the NHS Organ Donor Register. This means that we will not have a donation decision recorded for you and it will be considered that you agree to donate certain organs and tissue for transplantation after your death unless you opt out. Please tell your family and friends if you withdraw your registration.
What happens if I don’t register a decision?
If you do not register a donation decision, it will be considered that you agree to donate certain organs and tissue for transplantation in the event of your death.
Your family and friends will still be consulted about your latest views to ensure that donation does not proceed if you would not have wanted it to.
Under the opt out system, there are certain groups of people who the law does not apply. This means that if a person in one of these groups dies in a way that means they could donate, and they haven’t already recorded a donation decision, then their closest family member will be asked whether they wish to authorise donation.
Other ways to record your donation decision
Over the phone
Call the helpline on 0300 123 23 23. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Calls will be charged at local call rates depending on your phone provider.
Not sure if you’ve recorded a decision?
If you’re not sure if you’re already registered, you can check by calling the helpline on 0300 123 23 23.
Don’t want to record a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register?
You can make a declaration in writing and tell your family and friends, so they know your decision.
Please don’t rely on recording your decision in your will. Wills are not usually read until after donation is possible.
Tell your family
Whatever you decide, it’s important to share your donation decision. If something were to happen to you unexpectedly, would those closest to you know what your latest decision was about organ and tissue donation? So be sure to tell your family and friends as this will make it easier for them to help ensure that your decision is honoured.
Record your donation decision today
Changing lives
One donor can save the lives of up to nine people, and transform even more lives by donating tissue. Learn more about what you can donate and the choices you have.
We need everybody
Not sure if you’re eligible to donate? All of us can do something to help, whatever our age and whatever our health.
Donation and religion
All major religions in Scotland support the principles of donation and transplantation – it’s your individual choice.