(WHTM) – Pennsylvania officials are encouraging residents to become organ donors.

The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Health (DOH), along with Pennsylvania organ donation organizations, Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE), and the Gift of Life Donor Program issued the call to action on Friday, National Donate Life Blue & Green Day.

Residents can opt-in to be an organ donor by updating their driver’s license.

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To add the organ donor designation to an existing driver’s license or identification card, visit the Organ and Tissue Donation page on the Driver and Vehicle Services website.

“Choosing to become an organ donor could help save a life,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “And if you’re considering it, you don’t have to wait until you renew your driver’s license or ID card, you can add the designation anytime.”

Over 49% of current driver’s licenses and ID card holders are registered organ donors, which accounts for nearly 5 million Pennsylvanians.

Nearly 7,000 people are waiting for organ transplants in Pennsylvania.

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“Organ and tissue donation has touched most of our lives, as many of us know a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor who was impacted by organ donation,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “I have seen the positive impact of organ donations on the lives of children and families over the years, and that is why I encourage others to join me and give the gift of life by becoming an organ donor. It only takes a minute to register, and each individual organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people.”

There is no charge for becoming an organ donor or updating your driver’s license or ID card.

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