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Background on the New Digital Driver's License
For the past year or more, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has been working on the implementation of the new driver's license for the state. The new license is designed to increase security of the document and includes a number of special features to assure that it cannot be falsified. In addition to the security features, drivers applying for the license will be asked if they want to become an organ donor. Drivers will be asked:
"Do you wish to have the 'organ donor' designation on your license?"
Those who say "yes" will have the words "organ donor" displayed on the license and will become part of the statewide electronic database. This information will be used by organ procurement organizations like NJ Sharing Network to confirm the wishes of a potential donor. Currently, confirming a donor's wishes is often left to family members, since a donor card is not always physically present at the moment this information is needed. With the new system, families who may not have a discussion with their loved ones about donation can be made aware of this decision.
In New Jersey, the organ donor registration on a drivers license is a legally binding document for consent to donate. There are 45 motor vehicle agencies in the State of New Jersey. By the end of May 2004, all agencies were equipped to issue the new digital license. Approximately 50,000 digital licenses are issued each month.