Velázquez Raises Concerns to Walmart Over Puerto Rican Real ID Rejection
A Puerto Rican resident was denied a purchase after a cashier refused to accept his valid Puerto Rico Real ID
WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter to Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO, recommending an investigation after a Puerto Rican customer was refused the purchase of an item because the cashier did not accept his Puerto Rico Real Identity Document (ID) in an Ohio Walmart.
On July 30, 2025, Julio Rivera was shopping at Beavercreek, Ohio Walmart with family. When asked for his identification, Rivera showed his valid Puerto Rico Real ID and the cashier told Rivera that the ID was invalid as it was not issued “in the United States.” After questioning from Rivera’s family to the cashier, the cashier recognized that Puerto Rico is part of the United States but still refused to accept the ID.
Rivera asked to speak to the manager and to see the policy stating that Puerto Rico IDs can’t be accepted. Rivera’s family claims that the manager refused to show the policy and forced them to leave the store and threatened to call the police if they did not leave.
“We believe that, just as Mr. Rivera’s identification would be accepted at an airport or a restricted federal facility, it should be accepted at every one of your stores,” wrote the lawmakers. “In fact, Walmart’s policy does not require customers to present a Real ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. We are concerned that Mr. Rivera may have been discriminated against, or that the employees who assisted him were not entirely cognizant that his ID is valid in the United States.”
Sec. 201(5) of the Real ID Act of 2005 declares Puerto Rico is considered a “state” for the purposes of such law. Accordingly, Puerto Rico’s Department of Transportation and Public Works has outlined a process for island residents to obtain Real IDs that are valid for domestic travel and getting access to restricted federal facilities.
“Therefore, we believe that this incident warrants thorough investigation, corrective action for the employees involved, and broader measures throughout your stores nationwide to prevent this type of behavior from occurring again,” continued the lawmakers. “It is important that every customer, regardless of their residence, is treated with respect, equality, and in alignment with the law.”
The letter was signed by Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-OH).
Find the full letter here.
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