Idaho DMV Recognized for Lifesaving Organ Donation Efforts

ITD staff honored for driving high donor registration rates during National Donate Life Month

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:41am

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The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and its DMV offices will be recognized today for their efforts to raise awareness and inspire Idaho residents to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors when obtaining or renewing their driver's licenses. Last year, 55% of Idahoans chose to have the donor heart symbol placed on their licenses, one of the highest rates in the country.

Why it matters

Organ and tissue donation can save and improve thousands of lives, but the nationwide shortage of donors means many people die waiting for transplants. Idaho's high donor registration rate, thanks to ITD's outreach, is making a real difference in the lives of recipients across the state.

The details

During a ceremony today at ITD headquarters in Boise, the Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition will recognize ITD and DMV staff for their efforts to educate customers about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Last year, Idaho saw 73 organ donors, saving approximately 292 lives, as well as 351 cornea donors restoring vision for 702 recipients and 191 tissue donors providing grafts that could improve up to 14,325 lives.

  • The recognition ceremony will take place today (Wednesday, April 2, 2026) at 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
  • April is National Donate Life Month, an annual observance to honor donors and encourage more people to register.

The players

Lisa McClellan

DMV Administrator at the Idaho Transportation Department.

Alex McDonald

A member of the Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition.

Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition

A coalition dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring Idahoans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)

The state agency responsible for driver's licenses and vehicle registration in Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“Our teams interact with Idahoans every day, and those simple conversations at the counter make a real difference. When customers ask about the heart on their license, our staff help them understand what it means. Their commitment supports a choice that can save lives across our state.”

— Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator, Idaho Transportation Department

“National Donate Life Month is an opportunity to recognize the power of organ and tissue donation and the incredible generosity of those who choose to save lives. We encourage everyone to learn about donation, share their decision with loved ones, and say 'yes' on their driver license.”

— Alex McDonald, Member, Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition

What’s next

Idahoans can register as organ, eye, and tissue donors online at www.yesidaho.org or when obtaining or renewing their driver's licenses.

The takeaway

Idaho's high rate of donor registration, facilitated by the efforts of ITD and DMV staff, is helping to save and improve thousands of lives across the state. This public-private partnership demonstrates how simple conversations and education can have a profound impact on organ donation.