Most courts let you request postponement or excuse online, but the process and what counts as a valid reason depend on which court you're in
You can request to be excused from jury duty through an online portal in many state and federal courts, but not all. Some courts still require you to call, mail a form, or appear in person. The court that sent you the summons will specify how to make your request — usually in the summons itself or on the court's website. What matters more than the method is whether the court will accept your reason. Courts distinguish between postponement (asking to serve at a different time) and excuse (asking to be removed entirely). Postponement is almost always granted. Excuse is harder and varies widely by court.
The deadline to submit any request is usually 5 to 10 days before your trial date. Missing that deadline means you will need to appear in person or risk a fine for failure to appear.
Key Takeaways
- Check your summons or the court's website to find out whether your court accepts online requests and what the deadline is — missing it usually means you must appear in person or face a fine.
- Postponement (asking to serve later) is granted routinely; excuse (asking not to serve) requires a reason the court finds compelling, and standards differ by jurisdiction.
- Courts rarely excuse you for work, childcare, or financial hardship alone; medical conditions, caregiving for someone with a serious illness, and pre-booked international travel sometimes work.
- If you request online and the court denies you, you will usually get a letter telling you to appear on your trial date or request a hearing to explain in person.
Where to find your court's online request system
The summons you received should list the court's website and the deadline to respond. Most state courts and all federal courts now have a juror portal or online form. If the summons does not give you a link, search "[your county or district] court jury duty online" or go directly to the court's website and look for "juror services" or "jury duty".
Federal courts use the CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files) system in some districts, but most have a separate juror questionnaire portal. State courts vary: some use a centralized system for the whole state, others run separate portals by county. If you cannot find an online option, call the juror services number on your summons — they can tell you whether online requests are available and what the deadline is.
The difference between postponement and excuse
Postponement means asking to serve at a later date. Courts grant this routinely. You typically choose from available dates the system offers, or the court assigns you a new date. You will still have to serve eventually, unless you request excuse later. Postponement is the right choice if you have a conflict now but could serve in a few months.
Excuse means asking not to serve at all. Courts treat this much more strictly. You need a reason that the court considers valid. Common reasons that courts do accept include serious medical conditions (yours or a dependent's), being the sole caregiver for someone with a terminal illness, pre-booked international travel, or extreme financial hardship (though this one is hardest to prove). Common reasons courts do not accept include work obligations, childcare, vacation plans, or general inconvenience.
If you are over 70 or 75 (the age varies by state and court), you may be able to request automatic excuse based on age alone. Check your summons or call juror services to ask.
What information to include in your online request
Online forms usually ask for your juror number (on the summons), your name, contact information, and a reason for your request. If you are requesting postponement, you may be able to select available dates or let the court assign one. If you are requesting excuse, write a clear, factual explanation of why you cannot serve.
Be specific. "I have a medical condition" is weaker than "I have stage 3 kidney disease and attend dialysis three times a week on [specific days]." "I cannot afford to miss work" is weaker than "I am a self-employed contractor with no employees; missing a week of work costs me approximately $X and I have no savings to cover it." Courts hear hundreds of these requests and are skeptical of vague ones.
If your reason involves a medical condition, you do not need to submit a doctor's note with the online form — but if the court denies your request and asks you to appear, bring documentation. If your reason involves caregiving, bring a letter from the person's doctor or a statement from a hospice or care facility. If you are requesting excuse based on age, you usually do not need to provide anything beyond your birthdate.
What happens after you submit your request
You will usually receive a confirmation email or letter saying the court received your request. If the court grants your request, you will get a letter with your new date (if postponement) or confirmation that you are excused. This can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
If the court denies your request, the letter will tell you to appear on your original trial date or request a hearing. A hearing means you can explain your situation to a judge in person or by phone. If you request a hearing, the court will schedule it before your trial date. Bring any documentation you have — medical records, a letter from your employer, proof of travel, anything that supports your reason.
If you do not respond to a denial and do not appear on your trial date, the court can issue a fine (usually $100 to $500, depending on the court) or, in rare cases, hold you in contempt. If you genuinely cannot appear, call the court immediately and explain why.
When online requests are denied and you need to appear in person
If the court denies your online request and you have a legitimate reason you did not fully explain, you can request a hearing. This is your chance to speak to a judge. You can usually request a hearing through the same online portal, by phone, or by mail — the denial letter will say how.
At the hearing, be honest and specific. Judges hear excuses all day and can tell when someone is exaggerating. If you have a medical condition, describe it plainly. If you are the sole caregiver for an elderly parent, say so. If you have a plane ticket you cannot change, bring it. If the judge still denies your request, you will be told to appear for jury duty on the date listed.
If you have a genuine emergency on your trial date (a family member is hospitalized, your car breaks down, you are ill), call the court that morning and explain. Courts have procedures for this. Do not simply fail to appear.
What to do if you cannot find an online option
Some smaller courts and a few state systems do not yet offer online requests. If your summons does not mention an online option, call the juror services number listed on it. Ask whether you can request postponement or excuse by phone, mail, or email. If the court requires a written form, ask them to mail or email it to you.
If you must mail a request, send it as soon as possible — do not wait until the deadline. Include your juror number, name, contact information, and a clear explanation of your reason. Send it certified mail or bring it in person if the deadline is very close. Keep a copy for your records.
If the court requires you to appear in person to request excuse, you will need to go to the courthouse on or before the deadline. Bring any documentation that supports your reason. Ask to speak to the judge or the jury administrator. Be prepared to explain briefly why you cannot serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request to be excused if I already have vacation plans?
Most courts will not excuse you for vacation. Postponement is your option — request to serve at a different time. If your travel is international and non-refundable, some courts will excuse you, but you need to provide proof (a plane ticket or booking confirmation). Call juror services and ask whether your specific situation qualifies.
What if I request online but do not hear back before my trial date?
Call the court's juror services line a few days before your trial date and confirm whether your request was received and what the status is. If the court says it has no record of your request, ask how to submit one by phone or in person immediately. Do not assume silence means approval.
Can my employer require me to request excuse?
No. Your employer cannot require you to ask to be excused, and they cannot retaliate against you for serving on jury duty. If your employer is pressuring you to request excuse, you can report this to the court. You can mention to the court that your employer is discouraging jury service, and some judges will take that into account when deciding whether to excuse you.
If I am denied excuse, do I have to appear even if I am sick on my trial date?
If you are ill on your trial date, call the court that morning and explain. Courts understand that people get sick. You may be asked to provide a doctor's note later, or you may be rescheduled. Do not ignore the summons — contact the court.
How long does it take to hear back about an online request?
Most courts respond within 5 to 10 business days. Some respond faster. If your trial date is fewer than 10 days away and you have not heard back, call juror services to check the status. Do not assume no response means approval.