32 CFR § 257.3 - Definition.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t32/s257.3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "32 CFR § 257.3 - Definition."
title_number: 32
title_name: "National Defense"
section_number: "257.3"
section_name: "Definition."
chapter_name: "OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "MISCELLANEOUS"
part_number: "257"
part_name: "ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "5 U.S.C. 301, 133."
regulatory_source: "49 FR 1490, Jan. 12, 1984, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "257"
---


# 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, 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.