Put in writing that you want to donate your organs (Registro de Instrucciones Previas)

What you need to have ready

1. DNI/NIE or passport.
2. Tarjeta sanitaria of your comunidad (SIP/TIS/TSI).
3. Formulario de Instrucciones Previas/Testamento Vital of your CCAA (use your CCAA’s form, not a random one from Google).
4. Two witnesses with their DNI (if you choose that route) or escritura notarial if you prefer a notary.
5. Phone and email to get notifications.

Documentation

1. Formulario oficial de tu CCAA clearly marking the donación de órganos y tejidos. You can exclude what you don’t want to donate.
2. Identification: your DNI/NIE and the witnesses’ DNI.
3. Documento de representación, if your guardian/curator or attorney-in-fact files it.
4. Escritura notarial, if you go via notary (and remember: even then you must inscribirla in the registro autonómico).

Step by step

1. Find your CCAA’s procedure: search “Instrucciones Previas” or “Testamento Vital” on your comunidad’s health site. The ONT has guidance and links: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/areas/trasplantes/ont/home.htm.
2. Appointment or online: many CCAA allow online trámite with Cl@ve/certificado, others book you into the registro sanitario or your health centre. Take the option they give you.
3. Fill the formulario: tick that you accept donation of organs/tissues. If you have limits (e.g. no corneas), write them down. Avoid vague wording.
4. Choose how to sign:
   • With witnesses (free): they sign with you and show DNI. Usually they must not be relatives up to 2º degree.
   • Before a notary (paid): easier for you, but don’t skip the registration afterwards.
5. Submit the application:
   • Online: upload the PDF and attach required docs (DNI, witnesses or escritura). Sign with Cl@ve/certificado and register.
   • In person: hand the formulario at the Registro de Instrucciones Previas or at your centro de salud if that’s what they use.
6. Keep the receipt: they give it on the spot or send it by email/SMS. In a few days it will be visible to transplant coordinators across Spain.

Time-savers

• Talk to your family before registering. Legally you’re fine, but if family doubts at the hospital they can delay things.
• If you go with witnesses, bring them to the appointment with DNI and warn them they must not be close relatives where that’s required.
• Check if your CCAA accepts online trámite: with Cl@ve you can do it in about half an hour and skip queues.
• Notary? Fine if you want legal advice, but it’s pointless unless you then inscribe the document in the registro autonómico.

Common mistakes that can go wrong

1. Thinking the donor card is enough: it’s symbolic. Without registration and without telling your family, it can end up doing nothing.
2. Getting the deed and keeping it in a drawer: if you don’t register it, nobody at the hospital will see it.
3. Bringing invalid witnesses: if they’re relatives up to 2º degree or minors, the signature is rejected and you lose the appointment.
4. Using another comunidad’s formulario: they’ll reject it or make you redo it. Download the formulario de tu CCAA.
5. Not updating changes: if you change your mind, revoca or modifica; telling a doctor verbally isn’t enough.