---
kind: "section"
citation: "32 C.F.R. § 257.3"
title: "32"
number: "257.3"
heading: "Definition."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/32/257.3"
---

# §257.3. Definition.


Service of Process. When applied to the filing of a court action against an officer or agency of the United States, service of process refers to the delivery or, when appropriate, receipt by mail, of a summons and complaint made in accordance with [Rule 4](/cfr/32/4.md), Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by serving the United States and by serving a copy of the summons and complaint by registered or certified mail to such officer or agency. It further signifies the delivery of a subpoena requiring a witness to appear and give testimony or of a subpoena requiring production of documents, or delivery of a subpoena for any other reason whether or not the matter involves the United States.


## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 133.

### Source

Source: 49 FR 1490, Jan. 12, 1984, unless otherwise noted.