MONTPELIER (AP) - Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos says paperless licensing is starting up for 45 professions regulated by the department.

The department's Office of Professional Regulation can now produce a printable digital copy of the license's certificate at the time of online renewal. This eliminates the need to print, stuff and mail the approximate 20,000 licenses renewed each year.

Condos said the move will save several thousand dollars each year in paper, envelopes and postage alone, not to mention staff time.

The paperless licensing initiative begins immediately with the office's largest license renewal of registered nurses whose licenses are set to expire March 31.

The office is responsible for the licensing and regulation of 45 professions and 59,000 licensees in Vermont, such as dentists, architects and real estate brokers.

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