In many states, seniors have the right to decline jury duty based on their age. But the age limits and rules vary by state and by type of court, so if you are summoned for jury duty, check with the court to determine if you are exempt.
The majority of states have a rule in place that allows individuals over a certain age to choose not to serve on a jury if called. Some states allow anyone over a certain age to be permanently exempted; others allow seniors to be excused from serving if they are called. Some states require notice in writing; others have a box the senior can check on the jury summons form. The ages at which seniors can be exempted or excused are 65 in Mississippi and South Carolina; 70 in Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia; 72 in North Carolina and Wyoming; 75 in Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania; and 80 in Hawaii and South Dakota.
Some states have more complicated rules regarding seniors and jury duty. In Nevada, for example, everyone over the age of 65 who lives 65 miles or more away from the court is exempt from serving on a jury. Once you reach age 70 in Nevada, you are exempt from serving on a jury no matter where you live. In California, individuals with a permanent health problem can be exempted from jury duty but if you are 70 years or older, you don’t need a doctor’s verification of the health problem.
Each of the federal district courts has its own rules about jury service. Many federal courts offer excuses from service- on individual request to designated groups, including people over age 70.
May 28, 2026 update to article:
If you are 73 years of age or older, you can claim an automatic exemption from serving on a jury in Virginia. While you do not have to serve, you do have to submit a formal written request in order to be excused.
How to Request an Exemption
There is an age-based exemption box on the back of your jury duty summons in the Questionnaire portion. Checking that box and mailing or returning the form to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office will secure an exemption. You may also call the Clerk’s office and notify them of this request should you prefer to do so.
