§ 37-1-203 — Jurisdiction and service of process.

(1) Subject to constitutional and statutory jurisdictional limitations, the courts of this State may exercise jurisdiction over any person with respect to any conduct in this State governed by this title or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this title. In addition to any other method provided by statute, personal jurisdiction may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding instituted in a court by the service of process in the manner provided by this section. (2) If a person is not a resident of this State or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this State and engages in any conduct in this State governed by this title, or engages in a transaction subject to this title, he may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this State. The agent shall be a resident of this State or a corporation authorized to do business in this State. The designation shall be in writing and filed with the Secretary of State. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this State upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the Secretary of State, but service upon him is not effective unless the plaintiff or petitioner forthwith mails a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at his last reasonably ascertainable address. An affidavit of compliance with this section shall be filed with the clerk of the court on or before the return day of the process, if any, or within any further time the court allows.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 8-800.123; 1974 (58) 2879; 1982 Act No. 385, SECTION 5; 2016 Act No. 244 (H.5040), SECTION 2, eff June 5, 2016. Effect of Amendment 2016 Act No. 244, SECTION 2, in (1) and (2), substituted "person" for "creditor", and in (1), deleted "over a creditor" following "personal jurisdiction". Part 3 Definitions