Michigan § 554.961 - Service of process; irrevocable consent appointing department.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.961 — Service of process; irrevocable consent appointing department., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 554.961. Service of process; irrevocable consent appointing department.
(1) An applicant for registration under this act, other than a domestic corporation, shall file with the department, on a form prescribed by the department, an irrevocable consent appointing the department to be its attorney to receive service of lawful process in a noncriminal action or proceeding against it or its successor, executor, or administrator that arises under this act or a rule promulgated or order issued under this act after the consent has been filed. After the filing of the consent, process received by the department has the same force and validity as if served personally on the person filing consent.
(2) Service under subsection (1) may be made by leaving a copy of the process in the office of the department but it is not effective unless all of the following requirements are met:
(a) The plaintiff, who may be the department in an action or proceeding instituted by it, immediately sends notice of the service and a copy of the process by certified mail to the defendant or respondent at its last address on file with the department.
(b) The plaintiff's affidavit of compliance with subdivision (a) is filed in the action, on or before the return day of the process, if any, or within such further time as the court may allow.
(3) When a person, including a nonresident of this state, engages in conduct prohibited or made actionable by this act or a rule promulgated or order issued under this act, whether or not a consent to service of process has been filed and personal jurisdiction can otherwise be obtained in this state, that conduct shall be considered equivalent to the appointment of the department to be the attorney to receive service of a lawful process in a civil action or proceeding against the person or a successor, executor, or administrator arising out of that conduct and which is brought under this act or a rule promulgated or order issued under this act, with the same force and validity as if served on the person personally.
(4) Service under subsection (3) may be made by leaving a copy of the process in the office of the department, but it is not effective unless all of the following requirements are met:
(a) The plaintiff, which may be the department in an action or proceeding instituted by it, immediately sends notice of the service and a copy of the process by certified mail to the defendant or respondent at its last known address or takes other steps that are reasonably calculated to give actual notice.
(b) The plaintiff's affidavit of compliance with this section is filed in the case on or before the return day of the process, if any, or within such further time as the court allows.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 554.961
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.961 cover?
Section 554.961 ("Service of process; irrevocable consent appointing department.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 554.961?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.961" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 554.961 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.