Federal courts require jurors to be at least 18 years old, but most states set no upper age limit

There is no maximum age for jury duty in federal court or in most state courts. You can be called to serve at 70, 80, or older. However, you must be at least 18 years old to serve on a jury anywhere in the United States. Some states allow people over a certain age — often 70 or 75 — to request to be excused, but that is different from a ban on serving.

The rules vary by state and sometimes by individual court. A few states have created hardship exemptions specifically for older adults, meaning you can ask not to serve without penalty. Other states treat age like any other hardship claim — you can request an excuse, but the judge decides whether to grant it. Federal courts have no automatic age exemption at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old to serve on a jury in any U.S. court.
  • Most states have no upper age limit, and people in their 70s, 80s, and beyond can be called and can serve.
  • Some states allow people over a certain age (commonly 70 or 75) to request to be excused without giving a reason.
  • Federal courts do not have an automatic age exemption, but you can request a hardship excuse if serving would cause genuine difficulty.
  • The specific rules depend on your state and sometimes on which court is calling you.

Minimum age: 18 years old, with rare exceptions

You must be at least 18 to be called for jury duty. This is the rule in federal court and in all 50 states. Courts do not make exceptions for people who are 17 or younger, even if they are close to 18 or have parental permission.

Some states allow 17-year-olds to serve if they will turn 18 before the trial begins, but you still cannot be summoned until you are 18. If you receive a jury summons and you are not yet 18, contact the court listed on the summons and tell them your birth date. They will reschedule you or remove you from the list.

Maximum age: No federal limit, but state rules differ

Federal courts have no upper age limit. You can be called to serve at any age if you meet the other requirements: citizenship, residency, English language ability, and no disqualifying criminal record or mental health adjudication.

State courts vary. Some states — including California, New York, and Texas — have no upper age limit either. Others allow people over a certain age to request to be excused. The most common threshold is 70 or 75 years old. A few states set it at 65 or 80. Check your state's court website or the summons itself to learn the rule where you live.

How to request an age-based excuse

If your state allows an age-based excuse and you want to use it, respond to your jury summons. Do not ignore it. On the summons or the court's website, there is usually a form or a phone number to request an excuse. Some courts let you request it online; others require a written letter or a phone call.

When you request an excuse, be clear about your age and cite the state rule that allows it. For example: "I am 72 years old. Under [state] law, I request to be excused from jury duty." If your state does not have an automatic age excuse, you can still request a hardship excuse by explaining why serving would be difficult — for example, a medical condition, a mobility issue, or a caregiving responsibility. The judge will decide whether to grant it.

Respond promptly. Courts set deadlines for excuse requests, often 10 to 14 days after the summons is mailed. If you miss the deadline, you may have to appear in person to request an excuse in front of the judge.

What happens if you ignore a summons because of age

Ignoring a jury summons is not safe, even if you think you are too old to serve. Courts can fine you for failing to respond, and in some cases they can hold you in contempt. The fine is usually $100 to $500, but it can be higher. Some courts will issue a second summons or require you to appear before a judge.

The correct step is always to respond to the summons, even if you plan to request an excuse. Responding takes a few minutes and protects you from penalties. If you have a legitimate reason not to serve — including age, if your state allows it — the court will consider your request.

Medical conditions and age-related hardships

Even if your state has no automatic age excuse, you can request to be excused for a medical condition or mobility issue related to age. Courts recognize that some older adults have hearing loss, arthritis, difficulty sitting for long periods, or other conditions that make jury duty genuinely difficult.

When you request this kind of excuse, provide specific details. Instead of saying "I am too old," say "I have severe arthritis and cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without significant pain" or "I am deaf in one ear and cannot hear the courtroom proceedings." Include a letter from your doctor if you have one. Courts are more likely to grant an excuse when you describe the actual barrier to serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be forced to serve on a jury if I am over 70?

It depends on your state. If your state has an automatic age excuse at 70, you can request to be excused. If it does not, you can be called and can be required to serve unless you request a hardship excuse and the judge grants it. Federal courts have no age limit and can require anyone 18 or older to serve.

What if I am too sick or disabled to sit in a courtroom?

Request a hardship excuse when you respond to your summons. Explain your condition and how it prevents you from serving. Provide a doctor's letter if possible. The judge will decide whether to excuse you. Courts sometimes allow accommodations instead — for example, a chair with better support or a break during the trial — so mention if that would help.

Do I have to tell the court my age when I respond to a summons?

Usually yes. The summons or the online response form will ask for your birth date or age. This helps the court determine whether you meet the age requirement and whether you may have access to for any age-based excuse. Answer honestly.

What if I did not respond to a jury summons because I thought I was too old?

Contact the court immediately. Explain that you did not respond because you believed you were excused by age, and ask whether you still need to appear or whether the matter can be resolved. The court may waive the fine or allow you to respond late, especially if you contact them before they take further action.