When I requested mine, the receptionist asked me why I wanted them. When she asked this, I felt like saying "what's it to ya, just send 'em", but I knew this wouldn't expediate the process, so I told her it was for my new insurance company. They either needed me to sign a release, or request them myself and this way was quicker and cheaper for me.
I had to pay around $6-$7 for the copying and mailing fees, but I got them in about a week. The reason I gave her was complete bunk, but, it's none of her business anyways, and it worked.