The majority of kidneys that are transplanted come from deceased organ donors. Organ donors are adults who have become critically ill and will not live as a result of their illness. Parents or spouses can also agree to donate a relative's organs. Donors can come from any part of the United States. This type of transplant is called a cadaveric transplant.

A person receiving a transplant usually receives only one kidney, but, in rare situations, he/she may receive two from a cadaveric donor. Some experimentation with splitting one kidney for two recipients is underway. Family members or individuals who are unrelated but make a good match may also be able to donate one of their kidneys. This type of transplant is called a living transplant. Individuals who donate a kidney can live healthy lives with the kidney that remains.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there were nearly 16,625 kidney-alone transplant procedures performed in 2007.