State of Ohio now accepts cryptocurrency

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohioans can now use cryptocurrency to pay business filings and fees.

Sec. of State Frank LaRose's office is accepting credit cards, checks and cryptocurrency for all types of transactions, like filing for a new business, getting a trademark or applying to get a minister's license.

“Ohioans expect government services to keep pace with the technology they use every day,” LaRose said.

LaRose has led the charge in trying to make crypto more mainstream.

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"Ohioans have accepted this as a real form of currency, a form of exchange that they want to use," LaRose said during a 2025 press conference.

These online “coins” are stored in a digital database known as a blockchain, and like stocks, they can be traded and sold. One Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, fluctuates and is worth about $80,000 as of Friday. One year ago, it was about $120,000.

"You never really know with the volatility of what those prices are," Michael McGovern, president of progressive organization Innovation Ohio, said. "I think that's just really risky for something that needs to be stable."

Because crypto spikes and falls rapidly, McGovern warned that payments could be hard to calculate, adding that this isn’t safe for the state’s finances. The secretary countered, saying once submitted, crypto is immediately transferred into U.S. dollars.