What type of sperm donor are you going to be?
ID release or No ID release sperm donor?
When you become a sperm donor, you must choose whether you want to be an ID release (previously known as "open") or a No ID release (previously known as "anonymous") sperm donor. A No ID release donor is also called a closed donor.
It's important that you consider this decision carefully, because once you are accepted as a sperm donor, you cannot change your status. This means that you cannot switch from No ID release to ID release donor or vice versa.
Regardless of which type you choose, as a sperm donor, you should avoid genetic databases such as 23andMe and 24Genetics, since potential donor children can register in the same databases and there fore become aware of who you are.
What is the difference?
ID release (open) sperm donor
As an ID release donor, you accept that we may disclose personally identifying information about you to the children once they come of age, should they wish it.
Some children may wish to ask you some questions or to make contact with you. In these cases, we will contact you to see if you are willing to do this. You are not obligated to have any form of contact with children conceived with your sperm.
No ID release (anonymous) sperm donor
As a No ID release donor, also known as a non-contact donor, you have chosen that your identity must not be disclosed. This means that we do not pass on information about your identity to children conceived with your sperm.
Become a sperm donor
Apply now
Enter your year of birth
Where do you want to donate?
Choose a date for your appointment
It is important that you do not ejaculate 48 hours before giving a sperm sample
Select a time period
Unfortunately, you cannot apply to become a sperm donor
To be a sperm donor you must be between 18 and 45 years old. The last possible day for donation is the day before turning 46. We expect you to donate for at least 1 year and with application time in mind, we do not accept applications if there is less than 18 months before turning 46. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Personal and contact information
Being an ID release donor
What can you expect?
The majority of our donors choose to be ID release donors. This is typically due to an understanding of the child's need to know the identity of their genetic origin.
As an ID release donor, you are only committing to allowing us to disclose information about your identity, to a child conceived with your sperm once they have reached legal adulthood. This will usually be your full name, date of birth and last known address. The donor child must themselves approach us or the national donor registry - in countries where such exists - to obtain this information.
In some cases, the donor child may want more information about you, and in those cases, we will contact you to see if you are willing to meet this request. Only the child can request contact, not the parents.
Typically, the donor child will just want to say hello and learn a little about who you are. There may also be more specific requests, such as an updated medical history. The contact can take many forms, correspondence via email, a phone call, or a personal meeting. It depends on what both you and the child are comfortable with. You are not obligated to have any form of contact.
Applicable for both ID release and No ID release
No paternal or legal obligations
No matter what you choose, being a donor entails no paternal or legal obligations towards the children. For example, you are not required to pay child support. Similarly, neither the child nor the child's parents have any rights over you as the donor.
It is also not possible or permitted for you as a donor to receive information about children conceived from your sperm – or about the children's parents.
On our website, individuals wishing to have a child can find a donor profile with anonymised information about each donor. For example, physical appearance, personal description, baby photo, health information and family history. We provide the same amount of information for both types of donors.
Why is there a difference?
Some parents prefer sperm from ID release donors because it gives the child the opportunity to learn more about their donor if they wish to do so. Others prefer to make that choice for the child by choosing a No ID release donor.
Additionally, there are legal requirements for sperm donation in different parts of the world. In some countries, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, only ID release donors are allowed.