What is the main role of a notary public in Texas?

The primary role of a notary public in Texas is to witness and authenticate signatures on legal documents. This function is crucial as it helps to prevent fraud and ensure that the parties involved in the transaction are who they claim to be. By verifying the identities of the individuals signing documents and affixing their official seal or stamp, notaries provide a level of assurance that can be critical in legal and transactional contexts. This helps to uphold the integrity of various legal instruments, such as contracts, deeds, and other important paperwork.

The other options highlight services that are outside the purview of a notary’s responsibilities. Drafting legal documents, for instance, typically requires the expertise of an attorney, as it involves a different skill set and legal knowledge. Similarly, providing legal counsel for property transactions also falls under the realm of licensed attorneys rather than notaries. Verifying property titles is primarily the work of title agents or attorneys who specialize in property law, ensuring thorough searches and legal compliance in real estate matters. Hence, these tasks are not part of the notary's main functions in Texas.