Jury duty postponement and excuse letter builder

By the Jury Duty Help editorial team · Last reviewed September 29, 2026 · How we research

Postpone or excuse: which should you ask for?

A postponement (also called a deferral) moves your service to a later date. An excuse releases you from this summons altogether. Courts generally grant postponements more readily, because you’re still serving, just at a better time. If your problem is the timing, such as a trip, exams, a busy season at work, or a medical procedure, ask for a postponement and offer specific dates when you can serve. Save a request to be excused for situations that won’t change soon.

What courts say about excuses

In federal court, the Jury Selection and Service Act lets courts grant temporary deferrals or excusals for “undue hardship or extreme inconvenience.” The U.S. Courts explain that each of the 94 federal district courts sets its own procedures, that excuses are at the court’s discretion, and that many districts offer permanent excuses on request to groups such as people over 70, people who served on a federal jury in the past two years, and volunteer firefighters and rescue or ambulance crew members. State courts have their own lists, set by state law. Your summons or your state’s jury page will explain them.

Tips that make a request easier to grant

• Check how the court wants requests. Many courts want them through an online juror portal, by phone, or on a form included with the summons. Colorado, for example, offers an online form to postpone service by up to six months. A letter still helps as a written record or for courts that accept mail.
• Act before your reporting date. Send it as soon as you know. Don’t just stay home and hope. Ignoring a summons is a different, riskier situation. See if you missed your summons.
• Be specific and brief. One clear reason, with dates, is better than a long list.
• Attach proof when you have it, such as a doctor’s note, a travel booking, or a class schedule.
• Offer alternatives if you’re asking to postpone.
• Keep a copy and note when and how you sent it.

What happens next

The court will usually confirm by mail, email, or through its portal. Until you have a confirmation, assume you’re still expected on the original date. Follow the reporting instructions (many courts ask you to call or check online the evening before). If your request is denied, you’re expected to report. If your employer is the concern, our employer letter and the guide to jury duty and your job can help.