A new online registry for those wishing to donate their organs makes it easier than ever to clearly state and share this important decision. The confidential donor registry, Donate Life California (www.donatelifecalifornia.org/kidneynca), is administered by the state's four federally designated organ procurement organizations.

For many years, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has offered organ donor cards to all licensed motorists. But contrary to popular belief, the DMV does not maintain a database of who has and has not consented to donate, making it impossible to ascertain potential donor's wishes without a signed donor card.

The new registry allows Californians over the age of 18 to store their decision to donate online, ensuring that upon their death, their lifesaving wishes can be fulfilled. Each person who registers with Donate Life California has the potential to save up to eight lives through organ donation and touch up to 50 others through tissues donation.

The Donate Life California online registry officially launched in April 2005. To register your decision to give the "gift of life," visit www.donatelifecalifornia.org/kidneynca.