Jury Duty Excuse Letter Template – Free (Hardship, Medical, Work)
Use this free jury duty excuse letter (United States): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
|---|---|
| Document type | Complaints & legal |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
| Options | Excuse or postponement |
| Where | Jury office or online portal |
What is this letter for?
If you receive a jury summons but serving would cause real hardship, you can ask the court to excuse you or postpone (defer) your service. Common reasons include medical conditions, caring for a dependent, financial hardship, school or pre-paid travel. Each court has its own rules and forms, and many prefer an online request, so follow the instructions on your summons and respond before the deadline.
Where do you send it?
Send it to the jury office listed on your summons, or use the court’s online juror portal.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization is needed unless your court’s form requires it.
Step-by-step process
- Read the summons and the court’s excuse rules.
- Choose excuse or postponement.
- Gather proof.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Wait for confirmation; report if not excused.
What you need before you start
- Juror number and summons date
- Reason and supporting document
- Dates you could serve instead
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : jury duty excuse letter
Your full name
Street address
City, State ZIP
Phone | Email
Today’s date
Jury Commissioner / Clerk of Court
Court name
Court address
Re: Request to be excused / postpone – Juror number Juror number
Dear Recipient name,
I received a summons to report for jury service on Service date. I respectfully request to be excused / postponed until Month Year.
The reason is explain the hardship briefly, e.g. I am the sole caregiver for my child / I have a medical condition / I have pre-paid travel. A doctor’s note / proof of travel is enclosed.
If postponing: I am available to serve between Date and Date.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Your full name
Letter variations
Medical excuse
I have [[condition]] that prevents me from sitting for long periods. My physician’s letter is attached.
Student
I am a full-time student and my service date falls during final exams. I can serve during summer break.
Checklist before you send
- ☑️ Juror number
- ☑️ Reason and proof
- ☑️ Alternative dates
- ☑️ Before deadline
- ☑️ Copy kept
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
🏛️ Official sources
Always check the latest rules on the official website before sending.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Missing the response deadline.
- ❌ No supporting document.
- ❌ Vague reasons.
Tips before you send it
- Ask for a postponement if you can serve later – it is granted more easily.
- Attach proof (doctor’s note, tickets).
- Never ignore a summons.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get out of jury duty?
Courts may excuse or defer service for genuine hardship, medical reasons or other valid causes.
Do I need a doctor’s note?
For medical reasons, most courts ask for one.
What if I ignore the summons?
You may face penalties; always respond.
Can my employer write the letter?
An employer letter can support a request but courts expect undue hardship, not just busy schedules.
Where do I send this letter (jury duty excuse letter)?
Send it to the jury office listed on your summons, or use the court’s online juror portal.
Does this letter (jury duty excuse letter) need to be notarized?
Not required – No notarization is needed unless your court’s form requires it.