Quick answer: Texas probate filing fees are set by each county, not the state, and typically run $250–$450 to file an Application to Probate a Will. Major metros like Harris (Houston), Dallas and Travis (Austin) sit at the higher end; rural counties are lower. Always confirm the current fee with your county clerk.
How Texas filing fees work
Unlike California and Florida, Texas does not set probate filing fees statewide. Each county clerk (or statutory probate court in the largest counties) sets its own fee for filing the application. The fee is a flat amount per case, not a percentage of the estate, and covers filing the application and opening the case — certified copies, citations and publication are extra.
| County (major city) | Approx. probate filing fee |
|---|---|
| Harris (Houston) | ~$350 |
| Dallas | ~$380 |
| Travis (Austin) | ~$360 |
| Bexar (San Antonio) | ~$340 |
| Tarrant (Fort Worth) | ~$340 |
| Rural / smaller counties | ~$250–$300 |
Approximate amounts; county fees change and vary by filing type. Confirm the exact fee with the county clerk before filing.
Other court-related costs
- Citation & publication — posting/publishing notice; roughly $50–$150 depending on county and method.
- Certified Letters Testamentary — needed by banks and title companies; a few dollars each, often several needed.
- Bond — not required for independent administration if the will waives it; required for dependent administration (premium ~0.5%/yr).
- Small Estate Affidavit (Estates Code Ch. 205) — a lower filing fee than full probate, and no attorney needed.
Where the fee sits in the total
The filing fee is a small part of Texas probate — the executor commission and attorney flat fee dominate. And because Texas has no statutory attorney fee schedule and offers independent administration and muniment of title, the overall bill stays low. See the whole picture in the Texas probate cost breakdown, learn about attorney fees, or estimate your total with the Texas probate cost calculator.