What is the most common acceptable identification for a notarial act?

Most state notary laws require 'satisfactory evidence' of identity, defined as: (1) a current (not expired) government-issued photo ID; (2) bearing the signer's photograph, signature, and physical description; (3) issued by a federal or state government entity. Standard acceptable IDs: state driver's license, state ID card, US passport (or US passport card), US military ID, federal employee ID, Native American tribal ID (in states that recognize), foreign passport (in some states, with restrictions). Expired IDs are generally not acceptable, though some states allow IDs expired within a certain period (often 3 years). The notary must inspect the ID carefully to verify it matches the signer and appears authentic. If the photo doesn't match, the notary must refuse. If the name on the ID differs from the name on the document, the notary should ask for explanation — minor variations (married names, suffixes) are often acceptable; major discrepancies require clarification.