Jury Duty Excuse Letter — Free Template to Request Excusal or Postponement
If serving on your summons date would cause real hardship, most courts let you ask in writing to be excused or to postpone to a better time. Answer the questions below and your jury duty excuse letter fills itself in as you type.
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Free to preview[Your full name (as it appears on the summons)]
[Your mailing address]
October 15, 2026
[Court or jury office the letter is to]
Re: Juror number [Juror ID or summons number] — request regarding service on [Date you're summoned to appear]
Dear Jury Commissioner,
I have received a summons to appear for jury service on [Date you're summoned to appear] (juror number [Juror ID or summons number]). I take this civic duty seriously, and I am writing to respectfully request the following: [What you're asking for].
The reason for my request: [Main reason].
[Explain your situation]
I have enclosed any supporting documents I have, and I can provide more information if the court needs it. Please let me know your decision in writing at the address above. Until I hear from you, I will plan to follow the instructions on my summons.
Thank you for considering this request.
Respectfully,
[Your full name (as it appears on the summons)]
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Templates for your situation
Each version starts with the right wording for that situation already filled in.
What to do, step by step
Read your summons carefully
Find your juror number, the reporting date and the deadline to respond. Many courts list the accepted reasons for excusal and say whether requests go online, by mail or by phone.
Choose excusal or postponement
Courts grant postponements far more readily than full excusals. If your problem is temporary — a trip, exams, a busy season at work — asking to serve later is usually the better request.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Be specific and honest: explain why serving on that date would be a real hardship, not just an inconvenience.
Attach supporting documents
Include whatever backs up your reason — a doctor's note, travel itinerary, class schedule, pay records or a letter from your employer. Write your juror number on each page.
Send it before the deadline and follow up
Submit it the way your summons says, keep a copy and proof that you sent it, and plan to appear as scheduled unless the court confirms your request in writing.
What if your request is denied or you don't hear back?
Until the court tells you otherwise, assume you still have to appear. Sending a letter doesn't automatically excuse you, and failing to show up for jury duty can lead to a follow-up notice, a fine or an order to explain your absence to a judge.
If you haven't heard back a week or so before your date, call or email the jury office listed on your summons, give your juror number and ask whether your request was received. Many courts also let you check your status online.
If your request is denied, you can often still ask for a postponement instead, or raise your hardship in person when you report — judges sometimes excuse jurors during selection when serving on a long trial would be a genuine burden.
Example jury duty excuse letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Priya Natarajan
2045 Harbor View Dr, Apt 12, Fairmont, CA 94110
October 5, 2026
Jury Commissioner, Fairmont County Superior Court
Re: Juror number J-20391857 — request regarding service on November 9, 2026
Dear Jury Commissioner,
I have received a summons to appear for jury service on November 9, 2026 (juror number J-20391857). I take this civic duty seriously, and I am writing to respectfully request the following: Postponement of my jury service to a later date.
The reason for my request: Pre-paid travel booked before I received the summons.
In July I booked and paid for a non-refundable trip to attend my sister's wedding overseas, departing November 6 and returning November 20. My summons arrived on September 28. A copy of my flight itinerary and payment receipt is enclosed.
I would be glad to serve at a later time. Dates when I am available: Any week in January or February 2027.
I have enclosed any supporting documents I have, and I can provide more information if the court needs it. Please let me know your decision in writing at the address above. Until I hear from you, I will plan to follow the instructions on my summons.
Thank you for considering this request.
Respectfully,
Priya Natarajan
Frequently asked questions
What are acceptable reasons to be excused from jury duty?
Courts commonly accept serious financial hardship, a medical condition that makes serving difficult, being the sole caregiver for a child or dependent adult, and being a full-time student. Many also postpone service for pre-paid travel or a temporary work crunch. The exact list varies by state and court, so check your summons or the court's website.
Is it easier to get a postponement than an excusal?
Usually, yes. Courts need jurors, so they tend to reschedule people with temporary conflicts rather than excuse them entirely. Offering specific dates when you could serve shows good faith and makes it easier for the jury office to approve your request quickly.
Do I need a doctor's note for a medical excuse?
Many courts require one, and even where it isn't strictly required it makes approval much more likely. The note should confirm that your condition would make serving difficult; it usually doesn't need to give your full diagnosis. Some courts have their own medical form for your doctor to complete.
Can my employer stop me from serving on a jury?
In general, no. Federal law protects permanent employees from being fired for serving on a federal jury, and most states have similar protections for state jury service. Your employer can, however, write a letter explaining a genuine work hardship, which you can include with a postponement request.
What happens if I just ignore my jury summons?
Ignoring a summons is a bad idea. Courts often send a second notice, and repeated failure to respond can result in a fine or an order to appear before a judge. Responding — even just to ask for a postponement — keeps you in good standing.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.