Texas Constable Fees for Writs of Execution: What You'll Pay by County

Why Constable Fees Vary Across Texas

Constable and sheriff service fees aren't set by state law. Local commissioners courts establish fee schedules annually under Texas Local Government Code § 118.131, which means costs can differ dramatically between neighboring counties.

Before requesting a writ of execution, contact the constable's office in the county where the debtor's assets are located to confirm current fees. The writ goes to the officer in that county, not the county where you won the judgment.

Fee Breakdown by Major County

Here's what major Texas counties charge for writ of execution service (verified for 2026):

Harris County

• Constable execution fee: $185
• Additional deputy time beyond 2 hours: $75/hour per deputy
• Clerk issuance fee: $5

Dallas County

• Constable execution fee: $400
• Additional deputy time beyond 2 hours: $50/hour per deputy
• Clerk issuance fee: $5–$8

Tarrant County

• Constable execution fee: $180
• Additional deputy time beyond 2 hours: $80/hour per deputy
• Clerk issuance fee: $8

Denton County

• Constable execution fee: $175
• If a sale collects money, Denton County lists a 10% collection fee on the first $20,000 and 4% on amounts above that; if collected without a sale, half those rates apply

The difference between Harris County ($190 total) and Dallas County ($405+ total) is substantial. If the debtor has assets in multiple counties, this cost comparison matters.

Garnishment Service Fees Are Different

Constable fees for serving a writ of garnishment on a bank typically differ from writ of execution fees:

• Harris County: $85 for garnishment service
• Tarrant County: $90 for garnishment service
• Dallas County: $400 for garnishment service (same flat rate)

Garnishment often costs less than execution because the officer serves paperwork on a bank rather than locating and physically seizing property.

Can You Recover These Fees?

Yes. Enforcement costs are recoverable from the debtor. After the constable executes the writ, the officer's fees and storage costs are paid first from any sale proceeds before the remainder goes to your judgment balance.

If the writ doesn't immediately yield enough to cover costs, you can file fee bills with the court to add the constable's charges to the total judgment debt. This means the debtor ultimately owes the original judgment plus post-judgment interest plus all recoverable enforcement costs.

You cannot add costs that weren't authorized by the court — private investigator fees, personal travel expenses, or research costs don't get tacked onto the judgment without a specific court order.

Before You Pay: Is the Asset Worth Pursuing?

Constable fees are an upfront cost with no guarantee of recovery. Before requesting a writ, estimate whether the target asset is likely to yield enough at auction to cover the constable's fee plus make a meaningful dent in the judgment.

A $180 constable fee to seize a vehicle worth $2,000 at auction on a $5,000 judgment makes sense. A $400 fee to seize household goods that might sell for $150 does not.

Post-judgment discovery helps you identify what the debtor owns and estimate values before you commit enforcement dollars.

The Texas judgment collection guide includes county fee comparisons and a cost-benefit worksheet for evaluating each enforcement action.

See more Texas guides →