🫀 Can I decide to donate (or not donate) organs?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes: you can freely express your intent, for or against. In Italy, organ donation after death is based on the person's declaration of intent. You can declare your wish to donate (or not to donate) in several ways: at the town hall when you request or renew the electronic ID card, by joining AIDO, at your local health authority (ASL) or by other provided means. The declaration is registered in the Transplant Information System (SIT) and can be changed at any time. In the absence of a declaration, the decision rests with family members. Donation is free, voluntary and anonymous, coordinated by the National Transplant Centre. You can also draw up advance directives (DAT), the "living will".

📋 The rules

Donation is based on the declaration of intent
Declare at the town hall (ID card), with AIDO or at the ASL
The declaration is registered in the SIT and changeable
Without an intent, family members decide
Donation free, voluntary and anonymous (National Transplant Centre)

🔓 Exceptions

The intent expressed at the town hall prevails and is registered in the system
Removal occurs only after death is certified per the law
Living donation (kidney, part of liver): own regime with consent

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Organ donation carries no "sanctions": it's a matter of intent. What matters is to clearly express your decision (for or against) so it's respected, e.g. by declaring it at the town hall or joining AIDO, and informing family members. Removal is strictly regulated: it's free, anonymous and occurs only after death is certified per the legal criteria. Any form of organ trade is banned and punished. For end-of-life care choices you can also draw up advance directives (DAT), appointing a trustee.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

How do I declare I want to donate organs?

You can declare your intent at the town hall when you request or renew the electronic ID card, by joining AIDO, at your local health authority or by the other provided means. The declaration is registered in the Transplant Information System and you can change it whenever you want.

Can I refuse organ donation?

Yes. You can expressly declare you don't want to donate your organs, by the same means used to declare consent (town hall, AIDO, ASL). Your refusal is registered and respected. It's important to inform family members of your decision too.

What happens if I declared nothing?

In the absence of a declaration of intent by the deceased, the decision on donation rests with the entitled family members. So it's important to express and make known your choice in life, so as not to leave a difficult decision to your family.

Is donation free?

Yes. Organ donation is free, voluntary and anonymous: neither the donor's family nor the recipient pay or receive money. Any form of organ trade is banned and severely punished. The whole process is coordinated by the National Transplant Centre.

What are the DAT?

The DAT (advance treatment directives), or living will, are the document in which, as an adult, you express your wishes on medical treatments should you no longer be able to decide. You can also appoint a trustee and deposit them by the provided means.

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