Who sends it: Your county or state court, or a U.S. District Court, by mail.
What this letter is
Courts pick names at random from lists such as voter records and driver's license records, then mail a summons or a juror questionnaire. Most come from state or county courts. Federal ones come from the U.S. District Court for your area.
A questionnaire asks whether you qualify, for example whether you are a US citizen and live in the area. A summons tells you when and where to report, or tells you to call or check online before your date to see if you are still needed.
What to check
- The court's name, address and phone number
- The date you are to report, or the date to send back the questionnaire
- Your juror number, which you need when you call or go online
- The instructions for asking to postpone or be excused
What to do
- Fill out and return the questionnaire, or respond to the summons, by the date printed, by mail or on the court's official website.
- If the date does not work, ask to postpone. The summons explains how.
- If you have a reason you cannot serve, such as health, caregiving or age, say so. Many courts let older adults ask to be excused, but the rules differ by court and state.
- If you need help to serve, like a hearing device or wheelchair access, tell the court ahead of time.
- Write down your juror number and keep the summons.
If you missed it
Ignoring a real summons can lead the court to contact you or order you to come in and explain. In federal courts, any fine comes only after a court appearance where you get to explain, never in a phone call. If you missed a date, call the clerk's office using the number on the court's official website.
How to tell a real one from a fake
Courts send summonses by mail. Federal courts do not call to demand payment, and do not ask for your Social Security number, credit card or cash over the phone.
Scammers call or text saying you missed jury duty and a warrant will be issued unless you pay right away, often by gift card, wire or payment app. Hang up, look up the court's number yourself, and ask. You can read the federal courts' warning at uscourts.gov.
Have one in front of you?
Take a clear photo and text it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093. He tells you in plain words what it says, what it wants from you, and anything that looks wrong. How to take a clear photo.
This page explains what this kind of letter usually means. Your letter is the final word on your dates and amounts. For a decision about taxes, health coverage or a legal matter, call the office that sent it, using the number on its official website, or ask a professional you trust.
Read next
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle