Iowa Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Excuses and Employer Rules

Iowa state-court jury service is governed by chapter 607A of the Iowa Code, with the qualifications in Iowa Code 607A.4. Jurors receive $30 for each day of service or attendance under Iowa Code 607A.8, and the Iowa Judicial Branch says the rate rises to $50 a day for each day beyond seven.

Your employer may not fire, threaten or coerce you over jury service, and a fired employee has 60 days from the discharge to sue (Iowa Code 607A.45). Iowa has no age-out: the court says age alone is not enough to be excused.

Information last verified on October 7, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This page covers jury service in Iowa state courts. A summons from a federal court in Iowa follows federal law, summarized on our jury duty laws by state hub.

Do you have to go? The short answer

Yes, unless you are disqualified or the court excuses or postpones you. The Iowa Judicial Branch states plainly: "There are no automatic excusals from jury duty" (Iowa Judicial Branch, Jury Service). Even the categories the statute says "shall be excused" require you to send written documentation.

Iowa also bars excluding anyone from jury service because of occupation (Iowa Code 607A.2), so there is no job-based exemption for police, doctors or teachers in chapter 607A. To see which category might fit your situation before you contact the court, try our jury duty exemption checker.

Who can serve on a jury in Iowa

Under Iowa Code 607A.4(1), to serve or be considered for jury service a person must:

• be 18 years of age or older;
• be a citizen of the United States;
• be able to understand the English language in a written, spoken, or manually signed mode; and
• be able to receive and evaluate information such that the person is capable of rendering satisfactory jury service.

The court's list adds two items the statute does not state as qualifications: being a resident of the county that summoned you, and not having served as a grand or petit (trial) juror within the past 24 months. In the statute, the two-year rule appears instead as a limit on what a person can be required to do (Iowa Code 607A.29), and the court's excuse list says a person who served as a state juror within the past two years will be excused with proof. In practice, raise either point with the jury office.

A person who has, directly or indirectly, asked to be placed on a jury list may be disqualified (Iowa Code 607A.4(2)). If you claim a disqualification, you may send written documentation on your own, and you must if the court asks (607A.4(5)).

Iowa Code 607A.2 says a person "shall not be excluded from jury service or from consideration for jury service in this state on account of age if the person is eighteen years of age or older, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, economic status, physical disability, or occupation."

Felony convictions

Iowa's jury statute does not bar everyone with a felony record. Under Iowa Code 607A.4(3)-(4), a person convicted of a felony is disqualified while they:

• remain under the supervision of the department of corrections, a judicial district department of correctional services, or the board of parole;
• are currently registered as a sex offender under chapter 692A; or
• are required to serve a special sentence under chapter 903B.

Because the statute ties the bar to current supervision, registration or a special sentence, it is not written as a lifetime bar. Separately, Iowa's court rules let a party ask the judge to remove a juror with a felony conviction from a particular trial unless the juror shows their rights of citizenship have been restored (civil cases), or, in criminal cases, shows restored rights or that they are no longer supervised, registered or serving a special sentence (Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.915(6)(a); Iowa R. Crim. P. 2.18(5)(a)). If you have a felony record and a summons, answer the questionnaire truthfully and ask the jury office or an Iowa lawyer whether you are eligible.

Exemptions, excuses and postponements in Iowa

Caregivers and breastfeeding mothers

Iowa Code 607A.5 says a person "shall be excused from jury service if the person submits written documentation verifying, to the court's satisfaction," that they are solely responsible for the daily care of a person with a permanent disability living in their household and that serving "would cause substantial risk of injury to the health of the person with a disability," or that the person "is the mother of a breastfed child and is responsible for the daily care of the child."

The same section adds the limit: "if the person is regularly employed at a location other than the person's household, the person shall not be excused under this section." The section does not say how long the excuse lasts. Although the section heading reads "Automatic excuse," the documentation requirement means you must ask.

Hardship: deferral first

For trial (petit) jurors, Iowa's statutory hardship tool is a deferral, not an excuse. Under Iowa Code 607A.6, "The court may defer a term of grand or petit juror service upon a finding of hardship, inconvenience, or public necessity; however the juror may be required to serve at a later date established by the court."

For grand jurors, the court may also excuse a person, in part or in full, "upon a finding that such service would threaten the person's economic, physical, or emotional well-being, or the well-being of another person who is dependent upon the person, or other similar findings of extreme hardship." The statute adds: "The courts shall exercise this authority strictly." Your employer must be allowed to testify in support of your request for deferral or excuse, and the court "may dismiss a juror at any time in the interest of justice."

Age: no automatic excuse in Iowa

Iowa does not let older jurors opt out for age. The Iowa Judicial Branch says: "There are no disqualifications or excusals based on a maximum age. Any request to be excused due to age by jurors older than 18 should be supported by medical, disability or other good cause. Age alone is not sufficient."

That matches Iowa Code 607A.2, which bars excluding a person 18 or older on account of age. If a health condition makes service difficult, the disability route with a doctor's note is the one the court describes.

Postponing your service

The Iowa Judicial Branch says you "can request a postponement for up to 12 months for hardship, inconvenience, or public necessity, temporary physical or mental illness or infirmity, active educational pursuit, or scheduled vacation." You may ask online or by calling the number on your summons at least ten days before your reporting date.

"The first request will be automatically granted. Requests made less than ten days prior to your reporting date and requests after the first one will only be granted for good cause and may require supporting documentation." The 12-month and ten-day figures are the court's practice; the statute itself says only that the court may defer a term of service.

Students

The court says a student in class can ask to postpone service to a school break. Residence is where you have physically lived in the last 60 days: "If you reside in the county that summoned you, in a place you either own, rent or in a college dormitory, you are required to serve on jury duty." A student who is not a resident of the summoning county can be disqualified with acceptable proof.

Military service members

Chapter 607A contains no military ground for excuse, and the court's page does not list one. Iowa's military code (chapter 29A) also has no jury exemption for National Guard members, though Iowa Code 29A.41 bars serving a guard member with a summons or other civil process after being ordered to duty or while going to, attending or returning from duty. If you serve in the Guard, raise it with the jury office on your summons.

Federal law separately says an active-duty member of the armed forces may not be required to serve on a state or local jury if the member's branch Secretary determines that service would unreasonably interfere with military duties or adversely affect unit readiness, and that determination is conclusive (10 U.S.C. § 982). It is a decision by the Secretary, not an automatic exemption.

How much does jury duty pay in Iowa?

Under Iowa Code 607A.8(1), "A grand juror and a petit juror in all courts shall receive thirty dollars as compensation for each day's service or attendance, including attendance required for the purpose of being considered for service." The statute lets the supreme court adopt rules allowing more for jurors whose attendance and service exceed seven days.

The statute does not print the mileage rate. The Iowa Legislative Services Agency reported in October 2024 that the rate set by the supreme court was 50 cents per mile (LSA Fiscal Topics, Jury Trials). We could not confirm the current rate on a court rule or court page, so check your summons or ask the jury office.

Under 607A.8, a juror whose physical disability prevents them from driving or using public transportation without assistance may be reimbursed for alternate transportation, you get no mileage or parking if you ride in a vehicle for which another juror is being reimbursed, and you may waive your pay and reimbursement. The court's FAQ says state employees who work in the courthouse are not paid or reimbursed for jury service.

Jury pay is taxable. The court says it "must be reported as income for tax purposes" and that no tax is withheld, so keep a record of what you receive. The court's page says a Form 1099 is issued only if the amount is over $600, but for tax years beginning after 2025 the IRS raised the Form 1099-MISC reporting threshold for other income to $2,000 (IRS Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC). The pay is taxable whether or not you get a Form 1099.

Iowa employer rules for jury duty

Your job is protected

Iowa Code 607A.45(1) says: "An employer shall not deprive an employee of employment or threaten or otherwise coerce an employee with respect to the employee's employment because the employee receives a notice to report, responds to the notice, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective juror service. An employer who violates this subsection commits contempt."

The section has no minimum employer size and no advance-notice condition, and it names no fine for the contempt; Iowa's general contempt statute, Iowa Code 665.4, supplies the maximum. The court's FAQ advises telling your employer well in advance, ideally as soon as you receive your summons. That is good practice, not a condition in the statute.

Does your employer have to pay you?

Iowa's jury statute, section 607A.45, does not require private employers to keep paying you while you serve. The Iowa Judicial Branch says the same and adds that "many do so in recognition of the importance of jury service"; the court also notes a union contract may cover it. Iowa state employees covered by the state's personnel leave rules get time off during scheduled work hours with regular pay for jury service, but must turn over the jury pay for service during scheduled work hours (not travel or personal-expense reimbursement) to their agency, must notify the agency immediately when summoned, and may be required to return to work if at least two hours of the workday remain (Iowa Admin. Code 11-63.12). We did not research school district or local government rules, so those employees should check their own leave policy or contract.

Section 607A.45 also says nothing about shift scheduling or whether an employer may require you to use vacation or sick leave. Check your employer's policy or union contract. For proof of the days you reported, the court says you can get written verification from your county jury manager.

If you are fired for jury service

"If an employer discharges an employee in violation of subsection 1, the employee may within sixty days of the discharge bring a civil action for the recovery of wages lost as a result of the violation and for an order requiring the reinstatement of the employee. Damages recoverable shall not exceed lost wages for a period of six weeks. If the employee prevails, the employee shall be allowed reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court" (Iowa Code 607A.45(2)).

Sixty days runs from the discharge, so talk to an Iowa employment lawyer promptly. For how this rule fits with other limits on firing, see our page on Iowa at-will employment laws.

What happens if you miss jury duty in Iowa

Under Iowa Code 607A.36, "If a person fails to appear when notified to report or at a regularly scheduled meeting, without providing a sufficient cause, the court may issue an order requiring the person to appear and show cause why the person should not be punished for contempt, and unless the person provides a sufficient cause for the failure, the person may be punished for contempt."

Chapter 607A states no fine or jail amount for this contempt. Iowa's general contempt statute sets the maximum where no other penalty is provided: before a district judge or district associate judge, a fine of up to $500, up to six months in county jail, or both (Iowa Code 665.4). The Iowa Judicial Branch says only that you can be fined, incarcerated, or both. If you missed your date, contact the jury office right away and explain what happened.

Lying to get out of service is also contempt. "A person who knowingly makes a false affidavit, statement, or claim, for the purpose of relieving the person or another person from juror service, or a person who requests the court to select the person as a juror for a particular case, commits contempt" (Iowa Code 607A.7).

How long jury duty lasts in Iowa

Under Iowa Code 607A.29, in any two-year period a person shall not be required:

1. to serve or attend court for prospective juror service for more than a term of service ordered by the court, not to exceed three months, unless necessary to complete service in a particular case;
2. to serve on more than one grand jury; or
3. to serve or attend as both a grand and a petit juror.

The court says the length of a term varies by county based on population. Your summons or county jury office will tell you your term.

How to respond to an Iowa jury summons

1. Complete the Juror Questionnaire and return it within 14 days of receiving the summons. The court says you can do it online through its Jury Service page or request a paper copy by phone.
2. If you claim a disqualification or an excuse under 607A.5, send the written documentation the statute requires.
3. To postpone, ask online or by phone at least ten days before your reporting date; the court says the first request is automatically granted.
4. Treat your report date as firm until the court confirms its decision. County contact information is on the court's site under its county information.

Watch for jury duty scam calls

The Iowa Judicial Branch warns: "Do not buy a money card to pay a fine for missing jury service." It says that if you miss jury service, "the court will never ask a law enforcement officer to collect a fine from you," and that if you get a call asking for payment of such a fine, you should promptly contact your local Sheriff's Office and report it. The court also says its employees will never ask for a Social Security number or credit card number over the telephone.

Our guide to government impersonation scams explains how these schemes work, and our page on Iowa scam and fraud laws covers where to report.

Disclaimer: This page is general legal information about Iowa state-court jury service, not legal advice. The court that summoned you decides every excuse and postponement request. Information verified October 7, 2026. For questions about your summons, contact the jury office listed on it; for an employment dispute, consult a lawyer licensed in Iowa.

Related pages

• Jury duty laws by state
• Iowa at-will employment laws
• Iowa court records
• Iowa scam and fraud laws
• Nebraska jury duty laws
• Illinois jury duty laws

Last updated: October 7, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does jury duty pay in Iowa?

Iowa jurors receive $30 for each day of service or attendance (Iowa Code 607A.8), and the Iowa Judicial Branch says the rate is $50 a day for each day beyond seven. Mileage and actual parking costs are reimbursed; childcare is not.

Can I get out of jury duty in Iowa if I am over 70?

Not for age alone. The Iowa Judicial Branch says there are no excusals based on a maximum age and that a request should be supported by medical, disability or other good cause.

Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty in Iowa?

Iowa's jury statute, Iowa Code 607A.45, does not require private employers to pay you while you serve, though the court says many do. Iowa state employees covered by the state personnel rules get regular pay but turn over their jury fees (Iowa Admin. Code 11-63.12); school and local government employees should check their own rules.

Can I be fired for jury duty in Iowa?

No. Iowa Code 607A.45 bars an employer from depriving you of your job, threatening or coercing you because of jury service, and a violation is contempt. A fired employee may sue within 60 days of the discharge for up to six weeks of lost wages, reinstatement and attorney fees.

Is there a breastfeeding exemption for jury duty in Iowa?

The mother of a breastfed child who is responsible for the child's daily care shall be excused if she submits written documentation, unless she is regularly employed outside the household (Iowa Code 607A.5).

Can I postpone jury duty in Iowa?

Yes. The Iowa Judicial Branch says you can ask for a postponement of up to 12 months, online or by phone, at least ten days before your reporting date, and the first request is automatically granted.

What happens if I miss jury duty in Iowa?

The court may order you to appear and show cause, and without a sufficient cause you may be punished for contempt (Iowa Code 607A.36). Chapter 607A sets no amount; Iowa's general contempt statute caps punishment before a district judge at a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both (Iowa Code 665.4).

Can a felon serve on a jury in Iowa?

Iowa Code 607A.4 disqualifies a person convicted of a felony while under supervision of the department of corrections, a judicial district department of correctional services or the board of parole, or while registered as a sex offender or serving a chapter 903B special sentence.

How long is jury duty in Iowa?

The court sets a term that varies by county. In any two-year period, no one can be required to serve more than one court-ordered term of up to three months unless needed to finish a case (Iowa Code 607A.29).