# Commercial Law (GCL)

## Title 17. Disposition of Abandoned Property

### Subtitle 3. Abandoned Property in This State

#### Section 17-301

(a) For purposes of this subtitle:

  (1) An action by an agent or other representative of an apparent owner, other than a holder acting as the apparent owner's agent, is presumed to be an action on behalf of the apparent owner; and

  (2) A communication with an apparent owner by a person other than the holder or the holder's representative is not an indication of apparent owner interest in property unless a record of the communication evidences the apparent owner's knowledge of a right to the property.

(b) When determining the address of an apparent owner under this subtitle:

  (1)

    (i) The last known address of an apparent owner includes any description, code, or other indication of the location of the apparent owner that identifies a state; and

    (ii) An indication of the location of the apparent owner that identifies a state does not need to be sufficient to direct the delivery of first-class mail to the apparent owner;

  (2) This State is deemed to be the state of the last known address of the apparent owner if:

    (i) The postal zip code associated with the apparent owner is for a post office located in this State; and

    (ii) There are no other records associated with the apparent owner that specifically identify the physical address of the apparent owner to be in another state;

  (3) Another state is deemed to be the state of the last known address of the apparent owner if:

    (i) The postal zip code associated with the apparent owner is for a post office located outside this State; and

    (ii) There are no other records associated with the apparent owner that specifically identify the physical address of the apparent owner to be in this State; and

  (4) The address of the apparent owner of a life or endowment insurance policy or annuity contract or its proceeds is presumed to be the address of the insured or annuitant if:

    (i) A person other than the insured or annuitant is entitled to the amount owed under the policy or contract; and

    (ii) The address of the person entitled to the amount owed under the policy or contract is:

      (1) Not known by the insurance company; and

      (2) Cannot be determined under Sec. 17-301.1(d) of this subtitle.

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Md. Code Ann., Com. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)