2025 Session Last amended: 1995 session

§ 543.08 — Summons, Service Upon Certain Corporations

Plain-Language Summary

This section explains how to serve a summons on a private Minnesota corporation when no officer can be found at the company's registered office. If the sheriff confirms no officer is present, service can be made through the Secretary of State under section 5.25. Foreign insurance companies can be served under the insurance commissioner's rules.

Practical Notes
This is important for plaintiffs trying to sue a corporation whose registered office appears empty or unstaffed. The sheriff’s return stating that no officer was found acts as legal proof, allowing the plaintiff to use alternate service methods. Attorneys should document their attempts carefully before relying on alternate service.