Sr. External Affairs Coordinator of Sierra Donor Services, Kevin Cao at Sacramento South DMV. Photo courtesy of Sierra Donor Services

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Sierra Donor Services (SDS) proudly honored Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) partners across Northern California, celebrating DMV Appreciation Month during September.

As an important link in the donation and transplantation process, DMV staff play a vital role in helping individuals register as organ, eye and tissue donors, bringing hope to nearly 20,000 in California and more than 100,000 patients in need of lifesaving transplants across the nation.

Every year, September highlights the invaluable 21-year partnership between DMV offices and Sierra Donor Services in promoting the Donate Life California organ donor registry. 95% of Californians who register as donors do so through the DMV, making their frontline staff essential advocates for donation. They are more than DMV staff or state employees; they are life ambassadors. 2026 marked a historic milestone: a record breaking 20 million registered Californians who said ‘yes’ to donation.

This achievement gives us hope, but for those waiting for a transplant, the need is immediate. Every day, approximately 10 or more people are added to the national waiting list, while 16 people across the country die every day because a life-saving organ wasn't available. However, one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal the lives of 75 more through tissue donation, giving the hope of second chances to those patiently waiting.

“Our DMV partners are everyday heroes, and we celebrate them every month, not just for the month of September,” said Sean Van Slyck, chief executive officer of Sierra Donor Services. “Many times, they are the first people to introduce Californians to the option of donation. Their dedication and compassion directly impact lives saved through transplantation.”

Throughout September, Sierra Donor Services visited several DMV offices across its service county areas to personally thank staff, recognized staff for the life-changing work they provide, and share stories of lives saved through donation. DMV employees were also recognized on social media and the organization’s website, highlighting their contributions to the donation community.

DMV staff are responsible for facilitating over 95% of new donor registrations in California.

Sierra Donor Services supports 19 DMV offices across 11 counties and the city of Santa Rosa in Northern California and Nevada.

DMV Appreciation Month is part of a national campaign led by Donate Life America and state donor registries.

“Donate Life California is proud to continue its strong partnership with Sierra Donor Services and the California DMV,” said Lacey Felder, senior program manager of Donate Life California. “Since more than 95% of Californians register as donors through the California DMV, this partnership provides a trusted and accessible way for individuals to make this important decision. We extend our gratitude to the DMV for its critical partnership, dedication, and commitment to saving and improving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.”

Sierra Donor Services encourages all Californians to say ‘yes’ to donation when visiting the DMV and to thank DMV employees for their role in saving lives. As Sierra Donor Services reflects on over 40 years of impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of saving lives, honoring donors, and educating the public. Be part of this life-changing legacy. Register today at SierraDonor.org.

About Sierra Donor Services

Founded in 1985, Sierra Donor Services is a federally designated, mission-driven nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Serving over 5 million people across Northern California, Nevada, and New Mexico, SDS is part of a collaborative network of organ procurement organizations working to advance donation efforts across California, Nevada, New Mexico and Tennessee. For more information, or to register as a donor, visit SierraDonor.org.