Months after authorizing crypto as a payment method, Ohio is rolling out more ways to pay certain state fees. The Ohio Treasurer’s Office announced a new digital wallet for residents to pay court fees, the BMV or other state agencies using cryptocurrency and other funds.

The Treasury on May 21 announced the launch of Buckeye Billfold, a digital wallet program that lets residents and businesses pay state agencies using credit cards, bank transfers or crypto, while still keeping cash and checks as options.

State officials say Ohio will be the first state to authorize and promote statewide use of digital asset payments. Digital wallets are apps that store your credit or debit card information, allowing you to pay using your phone or other devices. Any cryptocurrency used is automatically converted into U.S. dollars at the time of the transaction.

Here’s what to know about how Buckeye Billfold works and where you might see it used.

Ohio launches ‘Buckeye Billfold,’ adding crypto and digital wallet options for state payments

Buckeye Billfold expands how Ohioans can pay for certain state services, giving people more flexibility in how they handle government fees.

“Ohio is leading the way by embracing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency innovation,” Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in a release, adding that the move is meant to modernize how people interact with state government.

According to the Treasurer’s Office, if you choose to pay with cryptocurrency, it won’t actually stay in crypto. The payment is instantly converted into U.S. dollars, so it processes like a typical transaction.

State leaders say the move could reduce processing costs and save time for both the government and users. The initiative also builds on earlier attempts to bring cryptocurrency payments into state government, this time with full legal approval and a vendor in place to handle transactions.

Which Ohio agencies currently accept digital wallet payments?

Not all state agencies accept digital wallet or cryptocurrency payments yet, and availability can vary by agency and service. Several Ohio state agencies now accept certain digital currencies for certain payments, but it depends on the agency, the service, and whether you are paying online or in person.

Examples of agencies and courts that currently accept some form of digital or electronic payments include:

CLEVELAND — Ohio drivers are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country just as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Memorial Day weekend.

According to AAA, Ohio now ranks 10th in the nation for gas prices, with the statewide average at approximately $4.72 a gallon as of Friday. Drivers in Ohio are paying noticeably more than those in neighboring states, including Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan.

Experts say several factors are fueling the spike, including refinery disruptions in the Midwest and rising global oil prices tied to tensions in the Middle East.

AAA said Ohio is especially vulnerable when major Midwest refineries run into trouble.

One of the largest issues involves BP’s massive refinery in Whiting, Indiana, the Midwest’s largest and one of the largest in the country. The refinery can process about 440,000 barrels of oil per day and supplies fuel across the region, according to Reuters.

A major issue is the ongoing labor dispute.

Around 800 workers have been locked out since March while contract talks continue with no resolution.

The union has accused BP of using the lockout to pressure workers into accepting concessions on pay, job cuts, and contract terms. BP said negotiations can only continue while the lockout remains in place.

Jim Garrity with AAA said refinery disruptions like the one in Whiting can quickly tighten fuel supplies across the Midwest, causing prices in states like Ohio to rise faster than in other parts of the country.

“You’ve definitely seen some regional disruptions, and Ohio’s gas today is the 10th highest in the nation,” he says.
But refinery problems are only part of the equation.

Oil prices have also risen globally amid tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

The timing is especially tough for drivers because Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season.

Despite the higher prices, AAA projects more than 39 million Americans will travel by car this weekend, setting a new Memorial Day travel record.

“We’re not seeing it deter people from taking road trips,” Garrity said. “There’s an enthusiasm to get out there and take these trips.”

At local car dealerships, rising fuel prices are also changing consumer behavior.

Paul Qua with Classic Auto Group said interest in hybrids and electric vehicles has increased significantly in recent weeks, even among customers who normally prefer traditional gas-powered vehicles.

“That’s really the sweet spot in the car business right now,” Qua said.

AAA said meaningful relief at the pump will likely depend on refinery operations stabilizing and tensions in global oil markets easing.

But for now, millions of Americans are still expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, even as Ohio drivers continue paying some of the highest gas prices in the country.

Real estate transfers in Licking County, Ohio, range from $201,520 to $999,000

The following are property transfers recorded in Licking County from May 4-8, 2026.