What to Bring to Jury Duty — Complete Checklist 2026
Showing up for jury duty unprepared can make a long day even longer. Here is exactly what to bring, what the courthouse allows, and what you should leave at home.
The Must-Have Essentials
📄 Your Jury Summons
Bring the original summons or a printed copy. It has your juror ID number, reporting location, time, and parking instructions. Many courts also have a QR code for check-in.
🪪 Government-Issued Photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Required at courthouse security and jury check-in. Some courts also accept military ID or tribal ID.
📱 Your Phone (charged)
Most courthouses allow phones in the building but NOT in the courtroom. You will likely store it in a locker or leave it in your bag during proceedings.
💵 Cash or Card
For parking, cafeteria food, or vending machines. Many courthouse cafeterias are cash-only or have limited card readers. Budget $10–20 for the day.
Comfort Items Worth Bringing
- Book, magazine, or e-reader — waiting is the biggest part of jury duty. Assembly rooms have no entertainment. A book or Kindle is the best use of wait time.
- Headphones — for the assembly room (not courtroom). Check if your court allows them.
- Light jacket or sweater — courtrooms and assembly rooms are cold year-round. Always bring a layer regardless of outside temperature.
- Snacks — you may not be able to leave for lunch if selected. Pack something quiet and non-messy (granola bar, nuts, crackers).
- Water bottle — water fountains exist but having your own is more convenient. Check courthouse rules on containers.
- Portable charger — especially if you will be using your phone as entertainment during wait time.
- Pain reliever / personal medication — long sitting periods can cause discomfort. Bring any regular medications you take.
Work-Related Items
If you are self-employed or worried about missed work, some courts allow jurors to work on laptops or phones during assembly room waiting periods (not during actual proceedings). Check your specific court's policy. Bring your laptop if your court allows it — it is better to be productive during a 3-hour wait than just sitting.
✅ Government photo ID
✅ Phone (charged) + charger/power bank
✅ Cash or card ($10-20)
✅ Book or e-reader
✅ Light jacket or sweater
✅ Snacks and water
✅ Any regular medications
✅ Headphones (check rules)
✅ Laptop if court permits and you need to work
What to Leave at Home
Courthouses have airport-style security. Anything that triggers the metal detector or appears on the prohibited items list will either be confiscated or require you to return to your car. Leave these at home:
- Weapons of any kind — including pocket knives, multi-tools, and anything blade-related
- Outside food in containers — some courts restrict outside food (check your summons)
- Large bags or backpacks — security screening takes longer and some courts have size restrictions
- Laptops — unless your court specifically permits them (most do not allow them in courtrooms)
- Recording equipment — cameras and recording devices are strictly prohibited in all courtrooms
Parking & Arrival Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes early. Courthouse security lines can be slow, especially in the morning when everyone arrives at once. Your summons will note the reporting time — being late can be treated as a failure to appear.
Check your summons for parking instructions. Many courthouses offer validated parking for jurors — save your parking ticket to get it stamped. Some larger cities have free shuttle services from designated parking areas to the courthouse.
If jury service would create genuine hardship — financial, medical, or family — you may qualify for a legal excuse. Our generator creates a court-ready letter with your state's legal citation in under 2 minutes.
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