Jury Duty Excuse Letter From a Doctor — How to Get One

A useful note is short. It should be on the provider's letterhead, give your full name, confirm that you are a patient, state the condition or describe it generally, explain how it prevents or limits jury service, and say whether it is temporary or long-term. It should be signed and dated.

If the court has its own medical form, give that form to your doctor instead of asking for a general letter. Forms are processed faster because they answer exactly what the court needs.

Call or message your provider's office with a copy of your summons and the court's form, if any, and ask how long it usually takes. Some offices need a week or more, and some charge a small fee for paperwork.

Be honest about your limits when you ask. The doctor can only state what is true, and a note that matches your own letter is the most convincing.

Mention the enclosed doctor's note in the details section of your letter, as the example does, and send them together. If you submit online, upload both documents.

Keep copies. If your condition is long-term and you are excused, the same note may help if you are summoned again, though some courts ask for an updated one.

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.