The district court issued a final judgment in this case on December 20, 2005, which was modified on December 21, 2005. On January 23, 2006, the appellant, James Payne, filed his notice of appeal in the district court.

Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure requires that, in the absence of special circumstances not relevant here, the notice of appeal “must be filed with the district clerk within 30 days after the judgment or order appealed from is entered.” Fed. R.App. P. 4(a)(1)(A). “[A] timely filed notice of appeal is an absolute prerequisite to this court’s jurisdiction.” Moody Natl Bank of Galveston v. GE Life and Annuity Assurance Co., 383 F.3d 249, 250 (5th Cir. 2004). Because Payne failed to file his notice of appeal within 30 days of the final judgment, this court lacks jurisdiction over his appeal. Payne’s appeal is DISMISSED for lack of jurisdiction.