Bring your summons and a valid ID

Your jury summons is the document that tells you when and where to report. Bring the entire summons packet — not just the date. Courts use information printed on it to check you in, and some summonses include a juror number or barcode you will need to provide.

Bring a government-issued photo ID as well. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The court uses this to verify your identity before you enter the jury room. If you do not have photo ID, call the court listed on your summons and ask what alternatives they accept — some courts will take a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Your jury summons and a government-issued photo ID are required; without them, the court may not seat you or may reschedule your service.
  • Bring a notepad and pen if the court allows note-taking — rules vary by judge and by case type, so ask when you arrive.
  • Leave your phone on silent or off during jury selection and trial; many courts prohibit phones in the courtroom entirely, and some require them to be checked at the door.
  • Wear clothes you would wear to a professional setting; courts do not have a formal dress code, but judges expect jurors to show respect through appearance.
  • Bring any documents the court specifically requested in your summons, such as proof of hardship if you asked for a postponement.

What to bring for comfort during a long day

Jury duty often means sitting in a waiting room or courtroom for hours. Bring a book, tablet, or other quiet entertainment for the waiting period before jury selection begins. Once selection starts or trial begins, you will not be able to use these, but courts expect you to wait, and having something to do makes the time pass faster.

Bring a bottle of water and any medications you take regularly. Most courthouses have water fountains and vending machines, but having your own water means you do not have to leave your seat during breaks. If you take prescription medication, bring it in its original labeled bottle so court staff can see it is yours and prescribed to you.

Bring a small amount of cash or a card for lunch. Courts usually break for lunch, and you are responsible for feeding yourself unless the court provides a meal — which is rare. Nearby restaurants, cafeterias, or vending machines are your options, so plan accordingly.

Items the court may ask you to bring

Read your summons carefully for any specific requests. Some courts ask you to bring proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Others request documentation if you asked for a postponement — for example, a doctor's note if you claimed medical hardship, or a work letter if you said you cannot be away from your job.

If your summons says to bring specific documents and you do not have them, call the court before your date. Do not assume the court will overlook a missing document. Courts take these requests seriously, and showing up without what was asked can result in a fine or a rescheduled date.

What not to bring to the courthouse

Leave your phone off or on silent. Many courthouses prohibit phones in the courtroom entirely, and some require them to be checked at the door or left in your car. Even if phones are allowed in the waiting area, they must be off during jury selection and trial. Taking notes on your phone is not permitted — use paper and pen instead.

Do not bring weapons, including pocket knives, pepper spray, or firearms. Courthouses have security screening, and these items will be confiscated. Do not bring illegal drugs or alcohol. Do not bring large bags or backpacks unless the court specifically allows them — most courthouses restrict bag size for security reasons.

Avoid bringing valuables you cannot watch constantly. Courthouses are public buildings, and theft from waiting areas happens. Leave expensive jewelry, laptops, or large amounts of cash at home if you can.

Dress code and appearance

There is no formal dress code for jury duty, but judges expect jurors to dress as though they are going to a professional setting. Business casual — slacks or a skirt with a button-up shirt, or a dress — is appropriate. Avoid athletic wear, torn clothing, or anything with offensive language or images.

The reason is not arbitrary. Judges and attorneys watch how jurors present themselves, and appearance can affect how other jurors perceive you during deliberation. Dressing respectfully signals that you take the responsibility seriously, which matters when you are trying to persuade eleven other people to agree with your view of the case.

What to do if you cannot find your summons

If you lost your summons, call the court listed in any paperwork you received — usually the courthouse in the county where you live. Provide your name, date of birth, and case number if you have it. The court can print a new copy or tell you the information you need to bring instead.

Do not skip jury duty because you cannot find your summons. Courts track who shows up, and missing your date without contacting the court can result in a fine or a contempt charge. A phone call to the courthouse takes five minutes and solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my laptop or tablet to work during jury duty?

You can bring a tablet or e-reader for entertainment while you wait before jury selection begins. Once jury selection or trial starts, you cannot use it. Laptops are generally not permitted in courthouses due to security policies, so leave yours at home.

What if I take medication and need to bring it to court?

Bring your medication in its original labeled prescription bottle. Court security will inspect it, but prescription medications in labeled bottles are always permitted. If you take over-the-counter medication, bring it in its original packaging as well.

Do I need to bring proof that I am a citizen?

Only if your summons specifically asks for it. Some courts require proof of citizenship; others do not. Check your summons carefully. If it asks for proof and you do not have it, call the court before your date to ask what documents they will accept.

What happens if I show up without my summons?

Tell the court officer at check-in that you lost it. They can look up your information by name and date of birth. Bring your photo ID so they can verify who you are. You will still be able to serve, but having your summons makes the process faster.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me to jury duty?

No. Only the person summoned can enter the courthouse for jury duty. Your companion can wait in the lobby or outside, but they cannot sit with you in the waiting area or courtroom. Plan for someone to pick you up, or arrange your own transportation.