An organ donor card records your decision on organ and tissue donation in writing. If you fill it in correctly, your decision is clearly recognisable in an emergency. The BZgA instructions walk through each field step by step.
Short answer: You enter your name, first names, date of birth and address, tick one of four decisions, and add the date and your signature. The decision is binding for the treating doctors and can be revoked at any time (BZgA instructions, undated, in German). The draft laws on the opt-out model have only been referred to committee in the Bundestag. Last updated: November 2026.
The Key Points at a Glance
- Required details are name, first names, date of birth, address, date and signature.
- You tick one of four decisions on which organs or tissues you release or exclude.
- The decision is binding for the treating doctors.
- You can revoke the decision at any time.
- The card is available free of charge from the BZgA, or you can fill it in online and print it.
What Is on the Organ Donor Card?
The card asks for some personal details and one decision. The table shows the fields in the order of the instructions.
| Entry | What you enter | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Personal details | Name, first names, date of birth and address including street, postcode and town | Required |
| Date and signature | Date of completion and your signature | Required |
| Trusted person | Name, first names, telephone number and address of the person to whom you transfer the decision | Optional; you should inform this person |
| Decision | Tick one of the four boxes | Required |
Which Decision Should I Tick?
The card offers four options. They differ in which organs and tissues you release or exclude.
- Box 1: Yes, I agree to removal of organs and tissue without restriction.
- Box 2: Yes, but I exclude certain organs or tissues, which I name.
- Box 3: Yes, but only for certain organs or tissues, which I name.
- Box 4: No, I refuse removal.
If you are unsure which option suits you, the free BZgA information line on 0800 / 90 40 400, which the instructions give, can help. The decision remains yours.
Fill It In Step by Step
- Get the card. According to the BZgA, it is available free of charge as a plastic card in credit card format, by post, fax, e-mail or online.
- Alternatively, fill in the card online, download it as a PDF and print it.
- Enter your name, first names, date of birth and address in full.
- Tick exactly one of the four boxes, so that the decision is clear.
- Optionally, name a trusted person and inform that person in advance.
- Enter the date and sign the card.
Checklist Before You Hand It In
- Name, first names, date of birth and address are completely filled in.
- Exactly one of the four decisions is ticked.
- For boxes 2 and 3, the organs or tissues are written out in full.
- Date and signature are entered.
- An optional trusted person is informed, if you have named one.
This list helps you avoid the most common gaps. The BZgA instructions remain the basis for the layout of the fields.
What the Card Does Not Replace
The card records your decision, but it does not replace a conversation. Many people discuss their view on organ donation with family or a trusted person before they fill in the card. This makes it easier for relatives to know your wishes.
The instructions name the trusted person as an optional entry and recommend informing that person beforehand. If you transfer the decision to a trusted person, that person can act on your behalf, as the card provides.
Where Should the Card Be Kept?
The instructions give no information on storage. What matters is that you keep the card where it can be found when needed, and that your trusted person and close relatives know that it exists and where it is.
What Is Currently Being Debated in the Bundestag?
The Bundestag is discussing an opt-out regulation. According to the Bundestag text archive, on 24 September 2026 three proposals were referred to the Health Committee for further deliberation. These include the cross-party draft bill from 254 members (printed paper 21/7570), the draft bill from the Bundesrat (printed paper 21/2738) and a motion from 58 members to secure voluntariness (printed paper 21/8050).
According to the text archive, the proposals have not been adopted yet. Until a decision is made, the existing law applies, which requires an explicit decision. Your card therefore remains a clear record of your decision for as long as no new rule applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the organ donor card legally binding?
According to the instructions, the decision is binding for the treating doctors. The card records your will, which is why it should be filled in carefully.
Must I tick an option?
Yes, filling in the card requires a decision. Without a ticked box, no documented statement shows your position. It is worth going through the four boxes calmly before you fill it in.
Can I change my decision later?
Yes. You can revoke the decision at any time. The instructions say nothing about the procedure for changes, apart from the note that you can revoke at any time.
Do I need witnesses for the signature?
The instructions give no information on witnesses or other formal requirements. If you are unsure, ask the BZgA information line on 0800 / 90 40 400, which is free of charge according to the instructions.
Is the card available in other languages?
According to the BZgA, there is a version in 29 foreign languages. This helps if you want to show the card abroad or to relatives who speak another language.
What is the difference to the organ donation register?
The card is the form the BZgA describes. Besides the card, there is an organ donation register, on which we publish a separate article. The instructions for the card do not mention this register.
What to Do Now
- Order the card from the BZgA, or fill in the online version.
- Decide on one of the four options and consider which trusted person you want to share the decision with.
- Sign and date the card once your decision is settled.
- Follow the Bundestag debate to recognise changes in the law early.
Related Articles
- Health system reform: all topics at a glance (hub, in German)
- Opt-out solution for organ donation: what would change
- Digital health card in an app: a replacement for the plastic card?
- Objecting to the ePA: step-by-step instructions
Sources: BZgA: filling in the organ donor card, instructions, undated (in German) and Bundestag, text archive of 24 September 2026: first reading on the opt-out regulation (status as stated, in German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
