News Summary
Ohio is set to enable cryptocurrency payments for state fees and services after selecting Grant Street Group for facilitation. Secretary of State Frank LaRose will be the first to use Bitcoin for business filing fees. The initiative aims to capitalize on rising demand for digital currency and positions Ohio alongside states like Colorado in this modern payment approach. However, there are concerns about scams, particularly targeting older individuals. The state is also considering the establishment of a Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve to further promote adoption and protect users.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio has taken a significant step towards embracing digital currency by announcing that its Board of Deposit has selected Grant Street Group to facilitate cryptocurrency payments for state fees and services. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirmed that these payments will include popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, for various transactions, including setting up new businesses and paying fees to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
LaRose expressed enthusiasm about this development, citing a growing demand among customers for cryptocurrency payment options. As part of this initiative, LaRose is poised to become the first person in Ohio to pay business filing fees using Bitcoin, as he currently holds about $10,000 in the cryptocurrency. Customers opting for this payment method will incur a transaction fee, similar to the charges associated with credit card payments.
The initiative to allow cryptocurrency payments officially began in April, following a call from LaRose and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague for the State Board of Deposit to approve these transactions. The proposal received unanimous approval from the board in May 2025, pending vendor authorization. The vendor contract, formalized on September 24, 2025, marks an important milestone in Ohio’s adoption of cryptocurrencies for government transactions.
Treasurer Sprague highlighted the importance of positioning Ohio as a frontrunner in the digital currency arena. With its recent move, Ohio joins Colorado, Utah, and Louisiana as one of only four states in the U.S. that have authorized cryptocurrency payments for government services. The Secretary of State’s office processes nearly half a million payment transactions each year, indicating a substantial potential market for this new payment method.
Ohio is rapidly expanding its cryptocurrency infrastructure, with over 49,000 crypto ATMs nationwide, including more than 100 locations in cities such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Akron. The adoption of this technology is being closely monitored by state officials, who want to assess public preferences and adapt to any potential volatility associated with cryptocurrency.
However, alongside the enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies, there are concerns regarding scams. A report from AARP revealed that consumers lost approximately $65 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in the first half of 2024, particularly affecting individuals over the age of 60. Awareness and protective measures are essential as Ohio moves further into this digital landscape.
In addition to facilitating payments, LaRose supports the establishment of an Ohio Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve to encourage further adoption of cryptocurrencies in the state. Lawmakers in Ohio have previously passed legislation that restricts state and local governments from prohibiting the use of cryptocurrency as payment and exempts certain transactions from taxes. These legislative movements aim to cultivate a favorable business environment and attract new job creators to the state.
As Ohio leads the way in cryptocurrency adoption for government services, other states are observing these developments closely. They are exploring whether similar measures could be considered within their jurisdictions, potentially paving the way for an expansive shift in how government services can be paid for in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1
- Wikipedia: Cryptocurrency
- Cincinnati.com
- Google Search: Ohio cryptocurrency payments
- Cointelegraph
- Google Scholar: Ohio cryptocurrency government
- Financial Content
- Encyclopedia Britannica: cryptocurrency adoption
- Live Bitcoin News
- Google News: Ohio digital currency
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