New Payment Options Include Digital Wallets and Cryptocurrency
COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced today the launch of several security-enhanced payment options for customers doing business with the Secretary of State’s office.
The new state-of-the-art tools are being offered as part of a major payment modernization initiative announced by Secretary LaRose in early 2026, allowing Ohioans to use the latest financial technology platforms to pay for fees and services with the Secretary of State’s office.
Secretary LaRose (Middle) Treasurer Sprague (Right) and Andrew Burchwell (Left) Hold Press Conference on 4/24/2025 to call on State Board of Deposit to authorize cryptocurrency payments
The new system allows customers to pay using credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cryptocurrency, providing more convenient and secure options for the hundreds of thousands of financial transactions processed by the office each year. The improvement positions Ohio at the forefront of this emerging economy.
“Ohioans expect government services to keep pace with the technology they use every day,” said Secretary LaRose. “Whether you’re starting a business, filing with our office, or paying a financial obligation, we should make the process as convenient, secure, and efficient as possible. This payment modernization project gives our customers more choices and makes it easier to do business with the State of Ohio.”
The project also delivers on LaRose’s promise to make cryptocurrency an option for paying state fees and services. In April 2025, LaRose joined Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague in calling on the State Board of Deposit to formally authorize cryptocurrency as a financial transaction device. The board unanimously approved the proposal in May 2025 and later selected a vendor to facilitate cryptocurrency payments, clearing the way for implementation.
“Innovation has always been at the forefront of my office’s mission. Through Buckeye Billfold, we are working to modernize current practices and pave the way for future innovations,” said Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague. “Secretary LaRose has been a strong partner in this effort, and I’m proud to provide an opportunity for Ohio to responsibly embrace the tools of modern finance.”
“Ohio has a history of embracing innovation, and state government shouldn’t be afraid to lead,” said Secretary LaRose. “We worked through the right legal and regulatory process to make cryptocurrency payments possible, and now that option is available as part of a modern payment system built around convenience and choice. This is what efficient, customer-focused government should look like.”
Andrew Burchwell, Founder and Executive Director of the Ohio Blockchain Council, officially completed the first cryptocurrency transaction with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office when the option became available.
“Making digital assets (i.e., Bitcoin and stablecoins) available to use as a payment option is an important step toward establishing Ohio as a national leader in digital innovation,” said Andrew Burchwell, Founder and Executive Director of the Ohio Blockchain Council. “This is a practical example of government embracing emerging technology in a responsible way while giving Ohioans more choice.”
The completion of the project marks another step in the Secretary of State’s ongoing effort to improve customer service, embrace new technology, and make state government more efficient and accessible.