§ 54-09-07 — Service of process on secretary of state if agent not found or if secretary of state appointed as agent for individual

state appointed as agent for individual.
If an agent other than the secretary of state has been appointed for receipt of service, but
the affidavit of a sheriff or of an adult who is not a party to a proceeding establishes that diligent
inquiry has been made and that personal service cannot be accomplished upon any registered
agent, officer, or superintending, managing, or general agent of an entity, then the secretary of
state may be deemed the agent of the entity for receiving service of process. Service on the
secretary of state must be made as provided in section 10-01.1-13. Except as otherwise
provided by law, if the secretary of state is appointed as agent for service of process for any
individual under any provision of this code, then service on the secretary of state and the
responsibilities of the secretary of state with respect to the service shall be made or executed in
the manner provided in section 10-01.1-13, to the extent practicable.