News
Celebrating DMV Appreciation Month: A License to Save
September 2, 2025
Every September, we celebrate National DMV Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the incredible partnership between Sierra Donor Services (SDS), Donate Life California, Donate Life Nevada, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) across the state. Together, we form one powerful team with a shared mission: to save and heal lives through the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation.
A Lifesaving Partnership
Organ, eye and tissue donation is an act of love, generosity, and compassion. Right now, more than 20,000 Californians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Nationwide, nearly 17 people die every day waiting for the gift of life. Thanks to the partnership between Sierra Donor Services, Donate Life California, Donate Life Nevada, and DMV teams, thousands of Californians are connected to the life-saving care they desperately need.
Did you know that anyone over the age of 15 in California can register to be an organ and tissue donor? Until they turn 18, a parent or guardian makes the final decision, but every early registration builds a stronger culture of generosity.
Did you know that 95% of Californians register as organ and tissue donors at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent centers? That means every interaction the DMV has is an opportunity to save lives.
If you’re on the road to getting your driver’s license, make sure to consider registering to become an organ donor first. Your registration takes less than one minute and will save lives. Learn more about the national need for organ, eye and tissue donors and find answers to frequently asked questions about organ donation.
Registry Champions
Champions of hope at every counter.
The DMV’s role as a partner is powerful. By sparking conversations and offering accurate information, these champions help customers make an informed decision that could save or improve dozens of lives.
Every day, DMV employees across California ask one powerful question:
DMV Outreach
From June through August, Sierra Donor Services has been hitting the road every Wednesday to visit DMVs across our region. These visits are a special opportunity to educate staff about organ, eye, and tissue donation, share inspiring personal stories, and, most importantly, say thank you for being donation advocates. Check out photos from our recent visits!
Thank you to all of our DMV Registry Champions!
About Sierra Donor Services
Sierra Donor Services (SDS) serves nearly three million people in Northern California and Northern Nevada. We are an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to saving and improving lives by connecting organ and tissue donation to the patients who need them. We strive to extend the reach of each generous donor’s gift to those who are always profoundly grateful for them.