Ohio Approves Crypto Payments for State Services

Ohio has officially taken a bold step into the digital economy by approving its first vendor to process cryptocurrency payments for government services. The unanimous decision by the State Board of Deposit, announced Wednesday by Secretary of State Frank LaRose, positions Ohio as one of only a handful of US states to embrace crypto for official transactions.

With the move, Ohio joins Colorado and Utah, which already accept digital assets for state fees, while Louisiana has passed similar legislation earlier this year. The approval follows a May 2025 proposal that recognized cryptocurrencies as an authorized financial transaction method for state payments.

LaRose hailed the decision as a win for Ohio’s business environment, saying it strengthens the state’s position as a leader in innovation. “We’ve heard growing demand for a cryptocurrency payment option, and I’m ready to make it a reality,” he said. His office processes hundreds of thousands of transactions annually and will be the first state agency to accept crypto payments.

LaRose also credited Ohio’s proactive approach to embracing new technology as a key reason the state consistently ranks among the top five in the nation for business. He praised Treasurer Robert Sprague, Auditor Keith Faber, and Attorney General Dave Yost for supporting the initiative.

Beyond payments, lawmakers are also pushing for deeper involvement in digital assets. LaRose has voiced support for House Bill 18, which proposes creating an Ohio Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve. This would establish a dedicated digital asset reserve, separate from the state’s earlier Bitcoin reserve proposal introduced in December 2024.

While details on which cryptocurrencies will be supported and the launch timeline remain unclear, Ohio’s approval marks a significant milestone in the growing trend of states adopting crypto in official financial systems.