Ohio eases process of obtaining birth certificates

COLUMBUS AP) — The state is making it easier for native Ohioans to obtain a copy of their birth certificate.

The state Health Department is allowing local agencies to offer certificates issued in other counties. Participating local health departments may provide certificates to residents, no matter what county they were born in.

State health director Dr. Alvin Jackson said in a statement today that people who need a birth record in a hurry will be helped by the new system. It was first reported on by The Columbus Dispatch.

Ohioans used to have to travel to the county where they were born for a copy of their birth certificate or wait as long as six weeks for one to be mailed. The state has scanned more than 20 million birth certificates to make them more easily available.