Got a jury summons? What to do, step by step

A jury summons is an order from a court to take part in jury selection. It's not optional, but it's also rarely as disruptive as people fear. Many people who report are never seated on a trial. Here's what to do from the moment it arrives.

1. Make sure it's real

Real summonses almost always arrive by mail. The U.S. Courts warn that scammers call, email, and text people and threaten them with fines or arrest for "missing jury duty," then ask for personal data or payment. Federal courts don't ask for sensitive information by phone or email. If you're unsure, look up the court's phone number yourself (don't use the number in the message) and call. See jury duty scams.

2. Figure out which court sent it

Look at the top of the summons. A "United States District Court" summons is federal and follows federal rules, such as the $50 daily fee and federal exemptions. Anything else, such as a superior court, circuit court, district court of a state, or county court, is state and follows your state's rules. That's the court you deal with for everything that follows. See federal vs. state jury duty and our state directory.

3. Respond by the deadline

Most summonses ask you to complete a qualification questionnaire, increasingly online. For federal service, the U.S. Courts say to visit the website of the district court that selected you and complete the questionnaire through its eJuror system. Answer honestly. The questions check whether you meet legal qualifications such as citizenship, age, residence, and English ability. See the juror questionnaire.

4. Decide whether the date works

If it doesn't, ask for a postponement now, not on the morning you're due. Courts generally handle this through their portal, by phone, or in writing. Colorado, for example, has an online form to postpone service by up to six months. Our postponement letter builder writes a clear request. If you may qualify for an exemption or excuse, the summons usually explains how to claim it. See who is exempt from jury duty.

5. Tell your employer

Give your employer written notice with a copy of the summons. Federal law protects permanent employees from being fired, intimidated, or coerced over federal jury service, and most states protect state jurors too. Our employer letter builder makes this quick. See jury duty and your job.

6. Check in before you go

Many courts ask you to call a phone line or check online the evening before to confirm whether you still need to report. Colorado, for example, points jurors to a "night before" phone number for each county. Cases settle all the time, and you may be told to stay home.

7. Plan your day

Arrange childcare (children usually can't come along), plan for courthouse security screening, bring something to read, and allow time for parking. See what to bring to jury duty.

If you've already missed the date

Contact the court right away. Most courts are far more forgiving of someone who calls promptly than of someone who ignores follow-up notices. Read missed your jury summons?

Quick decision guide

Use this order of questions when the envelope arrives:

1. Is it real? A genuine summons arrives by mail with a court return address and a phone number and website you can verify independently. No payment is requested.
2. Am I qualified? Check citizenship, age, residence and the other requirements. For federal service, see who is exempt from jury duty.
3. Am I exempt or eligible for an excuse? Federal courts bar active-duty military, paid police and fire department members, and full-time public officers. Many districts also excuse people over 70 or who served on a federal jury in the past two years, on request.
4. Does the date work? If not, ask to postpone right away.
5. Have I told my employer? Do it now. See jury duty and your job.

Deadlines to put on your calendar

• The response deadline printed on the summons or questionnaire.
• The postponement window, if your court's online system lists one.
• The call-in date or time, if your court uses an on-call system.
• Your reporting date and time.

Set reminders a week ahead and the night before.

What you'll be paid

In federal court, jurors receive $50 a day, plus reasonable transportation costs and sometimes parking. State pay varies and is often lower. Our juror pay calculator estimates your state's rate. Juror pay is taxable income.

What not to do

• Don't ignore it. Federal courts can order someone who fails to appear to show cause. Without good cause, they can impose a fine of up to $1,000, up to three days in jail, community service, or a combination.
• Don't respond through links in texts or emails. Type the website address from the paper summons.
• Don't assume you're excused until the court confirms it in writing.

Getting ready for the day

• Read any instructions on parking, dress and the entrance to use.
• Check the night before whether you still need to report. Many courts post updates after 5 p.m.
• Pack using our what to bring checklist.
• Leave extra time for security screening.

Frequently asked questions

Can I volunteer to serve? Generally no. Jurors are chosen at random to keep the pool representative.

I'm not a citizen. What do I do? Answer the questionnaire truthfully. Non-citizens aren't qualified, and the court will remove you from the pool. Don't ignore the form.

If you need an accommodation

If you have a disability or medical condition, don't assume you'll be disqualified. Federal law disqualifies only conditions that can't be addressed with an accommodation. Contact the jury office early and describe what you need, such as an assistive listening device, an accessible entrance, or regular breaks. Courts handle these requests routinely, and arranging them ahead of time makes your first day go far more smoothly.

Key takeaways

• Verify the summons, respond by the deadline, and keep confirmations.
• Ask about postponements or excuses early, with specifics.
• Tell your employer in writing right away.
• Check in the night before and leave time for security.