# W. Va. Code § 16-19-5: Manner of making anatomical gift before donor"s death

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S5

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 16-19-5
- **Heading:** Manner of making anatomical gift before donor"s death
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 16 / Article 19 / Section 5

## Text

(a) A donor may make an anatomical gift:

(1) By authorizing a statement or symbol to be imprinted on his or her driver’s license, identification card, or hunting or fishing license indicating that he or she has made an anatomical gift;

(2) In a will;

(3) During a terminal illness or injury, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness; or

(4) As provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) (1) A donor or a person authorized by §16-9-4 of this code may make a gift by:

(A) A donor card or other record signed by the donor or the authorized person; or

(B) Authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be included on a donor registry.

(2) If the donor or the authorized person is physically unable to sign a record, another individual may sign at the direction of the donor or the authorized person if the document of gift:

(A) Is witnessed and signed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness; and

(B) Contains a statement that it has been signed and witnessed as required by paragraph (A) of this subdivision.

(c) 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.

(d) An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor’s death regardless of whether the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor’s death does not invalidate the gift.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-1 §16-19-1. Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-2 §16-19-2. Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-3 §16-19-3. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-4 §16-19-4. Who may make anatomical gift before donor's death.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-5 §16-19-5. Manner of making anatomical gift before donor"s death.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-6 §16-19-6. Amending or revoking anatomical gift before donor's death.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S6.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-7 §16-19-7. Refusal to make anatomical gift; effect of refusal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S7.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-8 §16-19-8. Preclusive effect of anatomical gift, amendment, or revocation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S8.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-9 §16-19-9. Who may make anatomical gift of decedent’s body or part.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S9.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-10 §16-19-10. Manner of making, amending, or revoking anatomical gift of decedent's body or part.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S10.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-11 §16-19-11. Persons who may receive anatomical gift; purpose of anatomical gift.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S11.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-12 §16-19-12. Search and notification.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S12.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-13 §16-19-13. Delivery of document of gift not required; right to examine.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S13.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 16-19-14 §16-19-14. Rights and duties of procurement organization and others.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C16_A19_S5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.