This article is from the Asbury Park Press, from the Associated Press Wire: In part: Nov 30, 3:47 AM EST Birth certificates slowly going digital By JULIE CARR SMYTH Associated Press Writer COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- For decades, getting a copy of a birth certificate has required a weeks-long wait for the mail or a personal visit to a state's vital statistics office. That may soon change, much to the relief of those seeking passports, government aid and certain jobs. Vital statistics offices around the country are trying to automate the centuries-old practice of keeping birth records. Of course, the shorter wait likely will mean a higher cost to consumers. In Ohio, for example, the cost of a certified copy of a birth certificate has risen from $10 to $16.50 in the past two years. Fees in some counties, where various charges can be added, have reached $25. "It's a little pricey for a piece of paper, especially since I'm here in Ohio," said Lovelle Scott, a young mother with two children, who needs hers to apply for government help. States are increasing the fees to raise money needed to convert their birth certificate archives from dusty stacks of paper and microfilm to electronic databases. The idea is to make it easier to retrieve a copy in an era of heightened national security, expanded voter identification mandates, a national immigration debate and upcoming federal ID requirements. The transition also will streamline a growing number of government processes that rely on birth certificate information. In a message dated 12/2/2006 8:46:32 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Can't open it either and took those little arrows out first .. < _http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BIRTH_CERTIFICATES?SITE=NJASB&SECTION= < HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT_