Information for Teen Donors
Thank you for choosing to help save lives through blood and platelet donations. Young donors, like you, play an important role in helping to make sure that blood is available when and where it is needed most. The American Red Cross wants you to have the best possible donation experience as you begin your life-long donation journey
As a blood donor, you donate one pint of blood, which your body quickly replaces. As someone who is new to donating blood, we encourage you to focus on being a healthy blood donor. Here are a few things you should do to have the best possible experience:
General Guidelines for Blood Donation
- Be in good general health and feeling well.
- Maintaining your iron level is an important part of being a healthy donor. We encourage you to learn more about iron and donating blood
- Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states; six states require parental consent for 17-year-olds)
- Weigh at least 110 lbs. Additional height and weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school student donors.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
Height and Weight Requirements
Female donors who are 18 years old and younger must weigh 110 lbs. or more, depending on their height. See chart below:
Female donors who are 18 years old and younger must weigh 110 lbs. or more, depending on their height. See chart below:
Male donors who are 18 years old and younger must weigh 110 lbs. or more, depending on their height. See chart below:
Female donors who are 18 years old and younger must weigh 110 lbs. or more, depending on their height. See chart below:
Male donors who are 18 years old and younger must weigh 110 lbs. or more, depending on their height. See chart below:
Parental Consent
Select your state from the list below to download and print the appropriate form for your state. The parent or guardian must read all of the information provided about blood donation and research and must sign the consent form in black ink. The student must present the signed consent form on the day of donation.
16YO Non-Donor ("DE","FL","HI","NM")
Sorry, you must be at least 17 years old to donate blood in this state.
16YO Parental ("AL","AK","AZ","AR","CA","CO","CT","GA","ID","IL","IN","IA","KS","KY","LA","ME","MD","MA","MI","MN","MO","MS","MT","NE","NV","NH","NJ","NC","NY","ND","OH","OK","OR","PA","PR","RI","SC","SD","TN","TX","DC","UT","VT","VI","VA","WA","WV","WI", "WY")
16YO Spanish ("ANY")
Materials also available in Spanish
16YO Parental ("AL","AK","AZ","AR","CA","CO","CT","GA","ID","IL","IN","IA","KS","KY","LA","ME","MD","MA","MI","MN","MO","MS","MT","NE","NV","NH","NJ","NC","NY","ND","OH","OK","OR","PA","PR","RI","SC","SD","TN","TX","DC","UT","VT","VI","VA","WA","WV","WI", "WY")
Proof of Age
The donor needs either an American Red Cross donor ID (preferred) or an acceptable primary picture ID such as:
- Driver's license
- Immigration and Naturalization Service card (green card)
- State ID
- Employee ID
- Passport
- Student ID
- Military ID
When a primary form of ID is not available, the donor needs two secondary forms of ID such as:
- Student ID (without a photo)
- Driver's license without a photo
- Credit card or bank card
- Employee ID (without a photo)
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Personal checkbook with name and address
- Social Security card
- Voter registration card
- Payroll stub
- Vehicle registration
- Fishing or hunting license
- Grocery store frequent shopper card or VIP card
- Club or museum membership card
- Library card with donor's name
- Professional license (such as: RN, LPN or MT)
- Non-American Red Cross donor card
- Selective Service card
- Insurance card
Without any of the previously listed forms of ID, the ID and date of birth of a high school student may be checked by the following:
- School officials determine the donor’s identity and date of birth from a list of potentially eligible donors (may use the yearbook to assist with the determination)
- Adult volunteers instructed on ID verification using a current yearbook picture and an additional piece of ID containing the donor’s name and age
- A parent or legal guardian can provide a document with the donor’s legal name and verbally provide the name and age when the donor does not have ID due to age
- High school students may not check identification on other high school students at high school blood drives
How should I prepare for my blood donation?
Please make sure to bring your photo identification or Red Cross donor card with you. You should feel well on the day of donation. If you're not feeling well, we ask that you wait and donate when you're better. Here are some other helpful tips to prepare:
Get at least eight hours of sleep the night before your appointment
Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch – or both, if you’re donating later in the day
Choose lean proteins (lean meat, cheese and yogurt) or complex carbohydrates (bread, cereal and fruit) and avoid fatty foods
Drink a few extra glasses of water, including an extra glass about 10 to 30 minutes before your donation
Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be raised above your elbow
It is also important that you have a good understanding of your medical history. You will be asked a series of questions that are personal in nature – about travel, medication, drug use and sex. It’s important you answer questions honestly. Remember, your answers are confidential.
Visit the blood donation process page for more information about what to do before and after your donation.
Additional Information for Students
More Ways to Make a Difference
Develop leadership skills and help save lives by hosting a blood drive.
Invite your family and friends to commit to give blood.
Build your resume with more Red Cross volunteer opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintaining your iron level is an important part of being a healthy donor. We encourage you to learn more about iron and donating blood.