You get jury duty when your name is drawn from voter registration or DMV records

You don't volunteer for jury duty — the court finds you. Most courts pull names from voter registration lists, driver's license records, or both. A computer randomly selects names, and the court mails you a summons. The summons tells you when and where to show up, what to bring, and whether you can be excused. If you ignore it, you can face fines or a court order to appear.

The exact source list varies by state and county. Some courts use only voter registration. Others combine voter rolls with DMV records to reach more people. A few states use tax records or utility customer lists as well. You have no control over whether your name enters the pool — registration alone puts you in it.

The summons itself is a legal document, not a request. It arrives by mail weeks or months before the trial date. Read it carefully: it contains the date you must appear, the courthouse address, what time to arrive, and instructions for requesting a postponement or hardship excuse before the date.

Key Takeaways

  • Courts draw juror names randomly from voter registration and driver's license records, so registering to vote or getting a license puts your name in the pool.
  • A summons is a legal order to appear on a specific date at a specific courthouse — ignoring it can result in fines or contempt charges.
  • You can request a postponement or hardship excuse before your summons date by contacting the court in writing or by phone, though approval is not may provide.
  • The court will tell you in the summons whether you need to bring documents, how long to expect to be there, and what happens if you don't show.
  • Jury duty is unpaid in most states, though some courts reimburse a small daily amount after a certain number of days of service.

How the random selection process works

The court clerk's office runs the selection through a computer program that pulls names at random from the source list. There is no way to predict whose name will be chosen. You cannot opt into or out of the pool by changing your voter registration status — being registered is what puts you in it in the first place.

Once a name is selected, the court verifies the person's address and citizenship status using the registration record. If the address is outdated or the person is no longer a citizen, the court may remove them. Otherwise, the summons is mailed. The entire process is automated and happens months before any trial date.

Different courts run selection at different times. Some draw names for the entire year in one batch. Others draw smaller groups every few weeks. The frequency depends on how many trials the court expects and how many jurors it needs. You might receive a summons for a date six months away, or you might receive one with only three weeks' notice.

What the summons tells you and what it requires

The summons is a formal notice that includes your juror number, the courthouse location, the date and time you must arrive, and the trial type (criminal or civil). It also lists what to bring: usually a photo ID and proof of citizenship, though requirements vary. Some courts ask for a juror questionnaire to be completed and returned before the date.

The summons explains what happens if you don't show. In most states, failure to appear can result in a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000, a contempt charge, or a bench warrant for your arrest. Some courts hold a hearing before imposing a penalty, giving you a chance to explain why you missed the date. Others fine you automatically.

The summons also tells you how to request a postponement or hardship excuse. This is usually done by phone, mail, or an online portal — the summons specifies which method the court accepts. You must request this before your assigned date. Requesting it on the day you're supposed to appear rarely works.

Reasons courts may excuse you before the date

Courts have different standards for excusing jurors before they arrive. Common reasons include age over 70 or 75 (varies by state), severe illness or disability, caregiving responsibilities with no alternative, financial hardship, or a pre-planned trip that cannot be changed. Some courts excuse people who have served recently. Others do not.

You must request the excuse in writing or by phone before your summons date. Simply not showing up is not a request — it's a violation. When you contact the court, explain your reason clearly and provide supporting documents if asked: a doctor's note for illness, a caregiver agreement for childcare, proof of a non-refundable plane ticket for travel. The judge or court administrator decides whether your reason is sufficient.

Being excused before the date is different from being dismissed during jury selection. If your excuse is denied, you must appear. Once you're there, the attorneys and judge can dismiss you for cause during the selection process — for example, if you admit bias or hardship that makes you unable to serve fairly.

What happens when you arrive at the courthouse

On the date listed in your summons, arrive at the courthouse at the time specified — usually 30 to 60 minutes before the official start time. Bring the photo ID and other documents the summons requested. Check in at the jury assembly room or the location listed in your summons.

You'll watch an orientation video or attend a brief presentation explaining how jury duty works. Then you'll wait. Depending on how many trials are scheduled and how many jurors are needed, you might be called to a courtroom for jury selection that day, or you might be told to return the next day. Some people wait all day and are sent home without being selected.

If you're called to a courtroom, the judge and attorneys will ask you questions during a process called voir dire. They're trying to find out whether you can be fair and impartial. Answer honestly. If either side objects to you, you'll be dismissed and sent back to the jury assembly room. If you're selected, you'll be sworn in and the trial begins.

How long jury duty lasts and whether you're paid

The length of service depends on the type of trial. A criminal misdemeanor trial might last one to three days. A felony trial can last a week or more. Civil trials vary widely — some last two days, others last several weeks. The judge will tell you at the start how long the trial is expected to take.

Jury duty is unpaid in most states. Some states and counties reimburse jurors a small amount — typically $15 to $50 per day — but only after serving a certain number of days, often five or more. A few states pay nothing at all. Check your state's court website or ask when you arrive to find out what your jurisdiction offers.

Your employer is not required by federal law to pay you during jury duty, though some employers do as a matter of policy. Some states have laws protecting your job — they prohibit firing you for jury service — but they don't require your employer to pay you. If you're self-employed or hourly, jury duty costs you money directly.

Postponing your service to a different date

If the date in your summons is genuinely inconvenient but you don't have a hardship reason, you can request a postponement. This means asking the court to reschedule you for a later date. Courts often grant postponements, especially if you request them well in advance.

Contact the court using the method listed in your summons — usually a phone number or online portal. Explain that you'd like to postpone and suggest a date that works better for you. The court will tell you whether that date is available. If it is, you'll receive a new summons for the later date. If it's not, they'll offer you an alternative.

Postponing doesn't get you out of jury duty — it just moves it. You'll still be required to serve on the new date unless you're excused or dismissed. Some people postpone multiple times, but courts may eventually deny a postponement and require you to appear on the original date or face a fine.

What disqualifies you from jury duty

Certain conditions disqualify you before you're even summoned. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the county for at least one year (requirements vary slightly by state). You must be able to speak, read, and understand English. You cannot have a felony conviction on your record in most states — some restore may be able to access after a certain time or after completing your sentence.

If you're disqualified, the court will remove you from the jury pool when it verifies your information against the registration record. You won't receive a summons. If you do receive one and you're disqualified, bring proof of your disqualification to the courthouse and you'll be excused immediately.

Mental illness, substance abuse, or a restraining order does not automatically disqualify you, but these issues may come up during jury selection. If you have a condition that genuinely prevents you from serving fairly, tell the judge during voir dire. The judge or attorneys can dismiss you for cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fired from my job for serving on a jury?

Federal law prohibits employers from firing you for jury service. However, this protection applies only to the time you actually serve — not to time spent waiting in the jury assembly room before selection. Some states offer additional protections. If you're fired for jury duty, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim, though you'd need to consult an employment attorney about your specific situation.

What if I can't afford to miss work for jury duty?

Request a hardship excuse before your summons date, explaining that jury duty would cause severe financial hardship. Provide documentation if possible — a letter from your employer, proof of self-employment income, or evidence that you're the sole earner in your household. The court will decide whether your hardship is sufficient. If it's denied, you must appear or face a fine.

Do I have to answer the juror questionnaire?

Yes. The questionnaire is part of the summons and is a legal document. Refusing to complete it or lying on it can result in contempt charges. Answer the questions honestly. If a question doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" or "Does not apply." The information you provide is used during jury selection to identify potential bias.

What happens if I lose my summons?

Contact the court immediately using the phone number from any court correspondence you have, or search online for your county courthouse. Provide your name and address. The court will tell you your assigned date and location. Write down the information. If you still can't find the courthouse, arrive early on the date you think you're supposed to appear and ask staff to help you locate the jury assembly room.

Can I request to serve on a specific type of trial?

No. The court assigns you to whichever trial needs jurors on your date. You cannot choose criminal over civil or vice versa. During jury selection, attorneys can dismiss you if they believe you're biased against a particular type of case, but you cannot request a preference beforehand.