{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/32.1-291.5.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/32.1-291.5.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/32.1-291.5.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/32.1-291.5.html"}],"law_id":359440,"edition_id":2,"section_id":359440,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.5","catch_line":"Manner of making anatomical gift before donor’s death","history":"2007, cc. 92, 907.","full_text":"A\n\nA donor may make an anatomical gift:\n\n1\n\nBy authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be imprinted on the donor’s driver’s license or identification card;\n\n2\n\nIn a will;\n\n3\n\nDuring a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults; or\n\n4\n\nAs provided in subsection B.\n\nB\n\nA donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under \u00a7 32.1-291.4 may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor or other person making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor registry. If the donor or other person is physically unable to sign a record, the record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or other person and shall:\n\n1\n\nBe witnessed by at least two adults, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and\n\n2\n\nState that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision 1.\n\nC\n\nRevocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of a driver’s license or identification card upon which an anatomical gift is indicated does not invalidate the gift.\n\nD\n\nAn anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor’s death whether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor’s death does not invalidate the gift.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1337246,"text":"A donor may make an anatomical gift:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":1337247,"text":"By authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be imprinted on the donor’s driver’s license or identification card;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":1337248,"text":"In a will;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":1337249,"text":"During a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":1337250,"text":"As provided in subsection B.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":1337251,"text":"A donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under \u00a7 32.1-291.4 may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor or other person making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor registry. If the donor or other person is physically unable to sign a record, the record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or other person and shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B1"},"6":{"id":1337252,"text":"Be witnessed by at least two adults, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"7":{"id":1337253,"text":"State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision 1.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":1337254,"text":"Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of a driver’s license or identification card upon which an anatomical gift is indicated does not invalidate the gift.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":1337255,"text":"An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor’s death whether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor’s death does not invalidate the gift.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51409,"edition_id":2,"name":"Anatomical Gifts","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":2,"parent_id":51407,"metadata":{"child_laws":41,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:41:56","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:32:25","permalink":{"id":1431477,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51409,"identifier":"2","token":"32.1\/8\/2","url":"\/32.1\/8\/2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51407,"edition_id":2,"name":"Postmortem Examinations and Services","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":11,"parent_id":51343,"metadata":{"child_laws":71,"child_structures":4},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:41:54","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:32:25","permalink":{"id":1431385,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51407,"identifier":"8","token":"32.1\/8","url":"\/32.1\/8\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51343,"edition_id":2,"name":"Health","identifier":"32.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":75,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":857,"child_structures":128},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:40:53","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:32:12","permalink":{"id":1428101,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51343,"identifier":"32.1","token":"32.1","url":"\/32.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":359416,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-289","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-289\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-289","metadata":false},{"id":359414,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-289.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-289.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-289.1","metadata":false},{"id":359415,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-289.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-289.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-289.2","metadata":false},{"id":359419,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-290","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-290\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-290","metadata":false},{"id":359418,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-290.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-290.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-290.1","metadata":false},{"id":359445,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-291\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291","metadata":false},{"id":359420,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.1","catch_line":"Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act; short title","url":"\/32.1-291.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.1","metadata":false},{"id":359421,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.10","catch_line":"Manner of making, amending, or revoking anatomical gift of decedent's body or part","url":"\/32.1-291.10\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.10","metadata":false},{"id":359422,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.11","catch_line":"Persons that may receive anatomical gift; purpose of anatomical gift","url":"\/32.1-291.11\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.11","metadata":false},{"id":359423,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.12","catch_line":"Search and notification","url":"\/32.1-291.12\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.12","metadata":false},{"id":359424,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.13","catch_line":"Delivery of document of gift not required; right to examine","url":"\/32.1-291.13\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.13","metadata":false},{"id":359425,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.14","catch_line":"Rights and duties of procurement organization and others","url":"\/32.1-291.14\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.14","metadata":false},{"id":359426,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.15","catch_line":"Coordination of procurement and use","url":"\/32.1-291.15\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.15","metadata":false},{"id":359427,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.16","catch_line":"Sale or purchase of parts prohibited; penalty","url":"\/32.1-291.16\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.16","metadata":false},{"id":359428,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.17","catch_line":"Falsification, etc., of document of gift; penalty","url":"\/32.1-291.17\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.17","metadata":false},{"id":359429,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.18","catch_line":"Immunity","url":"\/32.1-291.18\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.18","metadata":false},{"id":359430,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.19","catch_line":"Law governing validity; choice of law as to execution of document of gift; presumption of validity","url":"\/32.1-291.19\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.19","metadata":false},{"id":359431,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.2","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/32.1-291.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.2","metadata":false},{"id":359432,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.20","catch_line":"Donor registry","url":"\/32.1-291.20\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.20","metadata":false},{"id":359433,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.21","catch_line":"Effect of anatomical gift on advance health-care directive","url":"\/32.1-291.21\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.21","metadata":false},{"id":359434,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.22","catch_line":"Cooperation between Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and procurement organization","url":"\/32.1-291.22\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.22","metadata":false},{"id":359435,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.23","catch_line":"Facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose body is under jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner","url":"\/32.1-291.23\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.23","metadata":false},{"id":359436,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.24","catch_line":"Uniformity of application and construction","url":"\/32.1-291.24\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.24","metadata":false},{"id":359437,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.25","catch_line":"Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act","url":"\/32.1-291.25\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.25","metadata":false},{"id":359438,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.3","catch_line":"Applicability of Act","url":"\/32.1-291.3\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.3","metadata":false},{"id":359439,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.4","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.4\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.4","metadata":false},{"id":359440,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.5","catch_line":"Manner of making anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.5\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.5","metadata":false},{"id":359441,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.6","catch_line":"Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.6\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.6","metadata":false},{"id":359442,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.7","catch_line":"Refusal to make anatomical gift; effect of refusal","url":"\/32.1-291.7\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.7","metadata":false},{"id":359443,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.8","catch_line":"Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation","url":"\/32.1-291.8\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.8","metadata":false},{"id":359444,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.9","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift of decedent's body or part","url":"\/32.1-291.9\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.9","metadata":false},{"id":359448,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-292","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-292\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-292","metadata":false},{"id":359446,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-292.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-292.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-292.1","metadata":false},{"id":359447,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-292.2","catch_line":"The Virginia Donor Registry","url":"\/32.1-292.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-292.2","metadata":false},{"id":359449,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-293","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-293\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-293","metadata":false},{"id":359450,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-294","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-294\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-294","metadata":false},{"id":359451,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-295","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-295\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-295","metadata":false},{"id":359452,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-296","catch_line":"Determination of death","url":"\/32.1-296\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-296","metadata":false},{"id":359455,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-297","catch_line":"Action for implied warranty in connection with transfer of blood or human tissue","url":"\/32.1-297\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-297","metadata":false},{"id":359453,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-297.1","catch_line":"The Virginia Transplant Council","url":"\/32.1-297.1\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-297.1","metadata":false},{"id":359454,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-297.2","catch_line":"Discrimination prohibited","url":"\/32.1-297.2\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-297.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":359439,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.4","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.4\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.4","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":359441,"structure_id":51409,"section_number":"32.1-291.6","catch_line":"Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death","url":"\/32.1-291.6\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.6","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/32.1-291.5\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2007. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 92<\/a> and 907<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":[{"id":359422,"section_number":"32.1-291.11","catch_line":"Persons that may receive anatomical gift; purpose of anatomical gift","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-291.11\/"},{"id":359439,"section_number":"32.1-291.4","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-291.4\/"},{"id":359442,"section_number":"32.1-291.7","catch_line":"Refusal to make anatomical gift; effect of refusal","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-291.7\/"},{"id":359443,"section_number":"32.1-291.8","catch_line":"Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-291.8\/"},{"id":365604,"section_number":"46.2-342","catch_line":"What license to contain; organ donor information; Uniform Donor Document","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-342\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":359439,"section_number":"32.1-291.4","catch_line":"Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-291.4\/"}],"permalink":{"id":1431583,"object_type":"law","relational_id":359440,"identifier":"32.1-291.5","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.5","url":"\/32.1-291.5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/32.1-291.5\/","token":"32.1\/8\/2\/32.1-291.5","dublin_core":{"Title":"Manner of making anatomical gift before donor’s death","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 32.1-291.5","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A donor may make an anatomical gift: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> By authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be imprinted on the donor’s driver’s license or identification card; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> In a will; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> During a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> As provided in subsection B. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A donor or other person<\/span> authorized to make an anatomical gift under \u00a7 32.1-291.4<\/a> may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor or other person<\/span> making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor registry. If the donor or other person<\/span> is physically unable to sign a record, the record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or other person<\/span> and shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Be witnessed by at least two adults, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision 1. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Revocation<\/span>, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of a driver’s license or identification card upon which an anatomical gift is indicated does not invalidate the gift. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor’s death whether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor’s death does not invalidate the gift. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nMANNER OF MAKING ANATOMICAL GIFT BEFORE DONOR’S DEATH (\u00a7 32.1-291.5)\n\nA. A donor may make an anatomical gift:\n\n 1. By authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an\n anatomical gift to be imprinted on the donor’s driver’s license or\n identification card;\n\n 2. In a will;\n\n 3. During a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of\n communication addressed to at least two adults; or\n\n 4. As provided in subsection B.\n\nB. A donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under \u00a7\n32.1-291.4 may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor\nor other person making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol\nindicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor\nregistry. If the donor or other person is physically unable to sign a record,\nthe record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or\nother person and shall:\n\n 1. Be witnessed by at least two adults, who have signed at the request of the\n donor or the other person; and\n\n 2. State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in subdivision 1.\n\nC. Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of a driver’s\nlicense or identification card upon which an anatomical gift is indicated does\nnot invalidate the gift.\n\nD. An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor’s death\nwhether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the\ndonor’s death does not invalidate the gift.\n\nHISTORY: 2007, cc. 92, 907.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}