Quick Summary: Most American courts provide a "Mileage Allowance" to cover the cost of driving to and from the courthouse. In 2026, the federal rate is anchored to the IRS standard business mileage rate of $0.67 per mile. However, state rates vary wildly—from $2.00 in DC to $0.00 in Illinois. This guide covers how to track your miles, claim tolls, and ensure you get your full reimbursement.
How Mileage Reimbursement Works
Jury duty mileage reimbursement is intended to offset the cost of gasoline, vehicle wear-and-tear, and insurance associated with traveling for public service. It is distinct from your "Daily Attendance Fee" (the flat per-day pay).
- Round-Trip vs. One-Way: Most federal and state courts pay for round-trip travel. However, a few counties only pay for the "one-way" distance from your home to the court.
- The Mapping Software Rule: Courts rarely use your actual odometer reading. Instead, they use proprietary mapping software (like MapQuest or Google Maps API) to calculate the shortest distance between your home ZIP code and the court's address.
Federal Juror Travel Rates (2026)
If you are serving in a U.S. District Court (Federal), your travel reimbursement is governed by 28 U.S.C. § 1871. This statute links juror mileage directly to the IRS standard business rate.
| Expense Category | 2026 Reimbursement Rate |
|---|---|
| Personal Vehicle | $0.67 per Mile |
| Motorcycle Travel | $0.65 per Mile |
| Parking Fees | Actual Cost (Receipt Required) |
| Tolls (Bridges/Tunnels) | Actual Cost (Receipt Required) |
State-by-State Breakdown: The Extremes
While federal courts are consistent, state courts are "all over the map." Here are the most notable variations in 2026:
- The Highs: Washington D.C. provides its jurors with $2.00 per mile (intended to cover the extreme cost of city driving/parking). Utah follows with $1.00 per mile for miles exceeding a certain threshold.
- The Lows: Some states, such as Illinois and New York, do not provide a separate mileage reimbursement. They argue that the daily flat fee included in the pay check "encompasses" travel costs.
- The Averages: The majority of states (like California, Texas, and Georgia) pay between $0.20 and $0.45 per mile.
The "Odometer Gap" Explained
Many jurors are surprised when their mileage check is smaller than expected. This happens because of the "Gateway Rule." Courts often calculate mileage not from your driveway, but from the center of your residential ZIP code or the first major intersection near your home. If you live 5 miles down a dirt road, you might lose 10 miles of reimbursement per day.
Parking, Tolls, and Public Transit
In dense urban centers (NYC, LA, Chicago), driving is often less efficient than taking the train. Most courts have specific policies for this:
- Valet & Luxury Parking: Courts will generally only reimburse for "Economy" or "Jury Lot" parking. If you park in a luxury garage next to the court, you will likely only be reimbursed for the $10 "standard" rate, even if you paid $40.
- Public Transit: Many courts will reimburse the actual cost of a bus or subway pass in lieu of mileage. You usually need to provide physical or digital receipts from the Transit Authority.
Is Mileage Reimbursement Taxable?
💰 Official IRS Policy: Mileage reimbursement is considered an accountable plan reimbursement. This means it is NOT taxable income. When you receive your jury duty pay check, the mileage portion should be clearly separated. You do NOT report this amount on your 1040 tax return.
How to Claim: The eJuror Process
In the federal system and many modern state systems (like Massachusetts and New Jersey), you use the Juror Portal or eJuror. On the final day of your service (or every Friday for long trials), you will be asked to verify your travel distance. Accuracy is critical—falsifying mileage to increase your pay is technically a form of perjury and can lead to a "contempt of court" charge.
Expanded FAQ on Mileage and Travel
Most courts will NOT reimburse for ride-sharing costs. They will only pay you the standard per-mile rate as if you drove yourself. If an Uber costs $40 but the mileage rate only equals $8, you are responsible for the $32 difference.
No. Reimbursement is strictly for the distance between your home and the official court address. Extra driving for parking, lunch, or errands is not covered.
You must inform the Jury Clerk immediately. Most systems allow for multi-location reporting, but you often have to manually override the distance in the eJuror portal.
Usually, no. You must present an E-ZPass statement or a physical receipt. Many bridge tolls in 2026 are "cashless," so be prepared to download your digital statement for the clerk.
No. Only the driver (the person who actually incurred the expense of the vehicle) is entitled to mileage reimbursement. The passenger is only entitled to their daily attendance fee.
Some courts have a "Maximum Radius." If you live 200 miles away, they may only pay for the first 100 miles or require you to stay in a hotel (subsistence allowance) which they pay for instead.
No. The mileage rate (e.g., $0.67) is inclusive of gas, maintenance, and insurance. You do not submit gas station receipts.
Maintenance issues are not reimbursable. However, if a tow truck is required to get you to court on time, some judges may consider a one-time hardship reimbursement (though this is extremely rare).
Yes. If you are required to report to the building, you are entitled to travel pay for that day, regardless of whether you ever enter a courtroom.
Typically 2 to 6 weeks after your service ends. Federal courts usually pay via direct deposit if you provide your banking info in the portal.
Estimate Your Total Travel Pay
Our calculator automatically applies the 2026 IRS rates and estimates state-specific travel bonuses based on your distance.
Use Travel Calculator →