New Mexico § 38-1-5 - Service of process; failure to report

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 38-1-5 — Service of process; failure to report, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-1-5. Service of process; failure to report

A. In case any domestic corporation or any foreign corporation authorized to transact

business in this state fails to file a report within the time required, or, in case

the agent of any corporation, designated by the corporation as the agent upon whom

process against the corporation may be served, dies, resigns or leaves the state,

or the agent cannot with due diligence be found, it is lawful, while the default continues,

to serve process against the corporation upon the secretary of state, and the service

shall be as effective to all intents and purposes as if made upon an officer, director

or the registered agent of the corporation. The plaintiff shall include an affidavit that the registered agent has died, resigned,

left the state or cannot be found. The plaintiff shall provide, if known, the name upon whom the summons and complaint

is to be served and the last known address and include two copies of every paper,

including the summons, complaint, attachments and affidavits. B. Within two days after service upon the secretary of state, the secretary shall

notify the corporation of service of process by certified or registered mail directed

to the corporation at its registered office and enclose a copy of the process or other

paper served. C. It is the duty of the plaintiff in any action in which the process is issued to

pay to the secretary of state the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), which sum shall

be taxed as a part of the taxable costs in the suit if the plaintiff prevails in the

suit. D. The secretary of state shall keep a record of all summonses that have been presented

for service to the secretary of state, along with a summary of all that occurred in

regard to the service of each summons.

Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 38-1-5

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 38-1-5 cover?

Section 38-1-5 ("Service of process; failure to report") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. 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 New Mexico § 38-1-5?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 38-1-5" (New Mexico). 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 New Mexico law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.

How does New Mexico § 38-1-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico 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 New Mexico.