Section 276.531

Title XVII AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS

Chapter 276

Effective - 28 Aug 1980   

  276.531.  Nonresident licensee to designate resident agent — agent to forward notices. — 1.  Any person issued a license under sections 276.401 to 276.581 who is, or after the issuance of said license becomes, a nonresident of the state of Missouri shall designate in writing the secretary of state of the state of Missouri as his true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served all lawful processes in any action or proceeding brought by the director or other person growing out of the licensee's violation of any of the terms of sections 276.401 to 276.581 or regulations promulgated hereunder; except, any such nonresident who has designated a resident agent upon whom process may be served as provided by law shall not be required to designate the secretary of state as his agent.  The secretary of state shall be allowed such fees therefor as provided by law.

  2.  The acceptance of a dealer's license shall be signification of the licensee's agreement that any such process against him, which is so served, shall be of the same legal force and validity as if served upon him personally.  Such appointment shall be irrevocable and binding upon his executor, administrator, or assigns.  It shall be the duty of the licensee to keep his current address on file with the office of the secretary of state.  The secretary of state shall forward the notice to the person by registered mail, return receipt requested, and when said return receipt is received the same shall be forwarded to the director.  In case the notice sent by the secretary is refused or not claimed by the addressee, then the returned mail shall be forwarded to the director and, in either event, the service or attempt thereof shall be sufficient service upon the licensee.

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(L. 1980 H.B. 1627 § 26)