How to reschedule jury duty
You reschedule jury duty by contacting the court that summoned you, usually through a phone number or online portal listed on your summons. Most courts allow you to postpone your service to a different date within the same year or the following year, though the exact window depends on your state and court. You do not need a reason to request a postponement — courts expect that some people have genuine conflicts — but you will need to act before your scheduled date arrives.
The method varies by court. Some courts have an online system where you enter your juror number and select a new date from available options. Others require a phone call to the jury office during business hours. A few still accept written requests by mail. Your summons document will specify which method that court uses and will include the contact information you need.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the court listed on your summons before your scheduled date, using the phone number or website printed on the document itself.
- Most courts let you postpone to another date in the same year or the next year without stating a reason.
- Online systems and phone lines are faster than mail and usually confirm your new date immediately.
- If you miss the deadline to reschedule, you may face a fine or contempt charge, so act as soon as you know you cannot serve.
- Rescheduling is not the same as being excused; you will still be required to serve on the new date unless you later request an excuse.
Finding the right contact method for your court
The summons you received should list a jury office phone number, a website, or both. Start there. If you cannot find the contact information on the summons itself, search online for "[your county] jury office" or "[your court name] jury duty" — most county courts and district courts maintain a jury services page with phone numbers and links to online systems.
Call during business hours if you use the phone method. Have your summons in front of you so you can provide your juror number and the date you were scheduled to serve. The jury office staff can usually tell you what dates are available and confirm your new date on the spot. Online systems are often available 24 hours and let you see available dates and complete the reschedule without waiting on hold.
Timing: when you must reschedule before your date
You must contact the court before your scheduled jury duty date. Calling on the morning you are supposed to appear is too late — by then you have missed your deadline to reschedule. Courts typically want notice at least a few days in advance, though some accept requests up to a week before. Check your summons or the court's website for the specific deadline.
If you realize you have a conflict close to your date, call immediately rather than waiting. Courts sometimes have cancellations or can work with you if you reach out early. Ignoring the summons or failing to reschedule by the deadline can result in a fine, a contempt of court charge, or a warrant for your arrest, depending on your state and the court's policies.
What dates you can choose and how far ahead you can postpone
Most courts allow you to reschedule to any date within a set window — commonly the rest of the current calendar year, or into the following year. Some courts limit you to one or two postponements, so you cannot keep pushing your service further and further out indefinitely. A few courts have specific "duty periods" (like monthly or quarterly cycles) and only let you reschedule within those periods.
When you contact the court, ask what dates are available. If you are using an online system, it will show you the open dates. If you are calling, the jury office staff can tell you which dates have openings. Pick a date you are confident you can serve, because requesting a second postponement may not be granted.
The difference between rescheduling and being excused
Rescheduling moves your service to a different date. Being excused removes you from jury duty entirely. These are two separate requests, and rescheduling does not excuse you. If you reschedule to a new date and then realize you cannot serve on that date either, you will need to request an excuse from the court, which is a different process with stricter requirements.
Courts are more likely to grant an excuse for hardship (medical reasons, financial hardship, caregiving responsibilities) than they are to deny a simple postponement. But you cannot assume an excuse will be granted. If you have a serious reason you cannot serve at all, ask about an excuse when you contact the court about rescheduling, or submit a separate excuse request in writing.
What happens if you miss the reschedule deadline
If you do not reschedule or appear on your scheduled date, the court may issue a fine, typically ranging from $100 to $500 depending on your state and the court. A second failure to appear can result in a larger fine or contempt of court charges. In some jurisdictions, repeated failures to respond can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
If you realize you have missed the deadline, contact the court immediately and explain your situation. Some courts will work with you if you reach out before they take formal action. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away and will only make the consequences worse.
Rescheduling if you received a summons by mail
A paper summons includes all the information you need: the court name, the jury office phone number, your juror number, and your scheduled date. Follow the same steps as above — call the number on the summons or visit the court's website. You do not need to mail anything back or fill out a form unless the summons specifically instructs you to do so for rescheduling requests.
Keep your summons document until your new jury date arrives. Bring it with you when you report for service, or have the information ready if the court calls to confirm your attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule jury duty more than once?
Most courts allow one or two postponements, but policies vary. When you reschedule, ask the jury office whether you can postpone again if needed. If you have already used your postponements, you will need to request an excuse instead, which requires a stronger reason.
What if the court's website or phone line is not working?
Call the main courthouse number and ask for the jury office. If you cannot reach anyone, send a written request by mail to the court address listed on your summons, stating your juror number, scheduled date, and requested new date. Mail it as soon as possible to meet the deadline. Keep a copy for your records.
Do I need a reason to reschedule, or can I just ask?
Most courts do not require you to state a reason for a postponement. You can simply call or use the online system and select a new date. However, if you have a serious conflict that prevents you from serving on any date, you should request an excuse instead and explain your situation.
What if I reschedule but then get sick on my new date?
Contact the court as soon as possible on or before your new date and explain that you are ill. Courts usually accept medical reasons for not appearing. You may be asked to reschedule again or to provide a doctor's note. Do not simply fail to appear without notifying the court.
Can I reschedule online if I do not have my juror number?
Most online systems require your juror number, which is printed on your summons. If you cannot find it, call the jury office and provide your name and date of birth instead. They can look up your number and help you reschedule over the phone.