39 CFR § 230.31 - Definitions.
---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t39/s230.31"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "39 CFR § 230.31 - Definitions."
title_number: 39
title_name: "Postal Service"
section_number: "230.31"
section_name: "Definitions."
chapter_name: "UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION"
part_number: "230"
part_name: "OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL"
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. App.3; 39 U.S.C. 401(2) and 1001."
regulatory_source: "67 FR 16025, Apr. 4, 2002, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "230"
---
# 230.31 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this subpart:
(a) *Apparent.* That which is clear, plain, and evident.
(b) *Owner.* The person recognized by the law as having ultimate control over and the right to use property.
(c) *Claimant.* A person who submits a claim for abandoned or other unclaimed property.
(d) *Ruling official.* The official who has the authority to grant or deny a claim for abandoned or other unclaimed property, typically the Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Area Field Office where the property is located, or a designee.