Texas § WA.7.196 - SERVICE OF SUMMONS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § WA.7.196 — SERVICE OF SUMMONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ WA.7.196. SERVICE OF SUMMONS
SERVICE OF SUMMONS. (a) A peace officer shall serve a summons on a private corporation by personally delivering a copy of it to the corporation's registered agent for service. If a registered agent has not been designated or cannot with reasonable diligence be found at the registered office, the peace officer shall serve the summons by personally delivering a copy of it to the president or a vice president of the corporation. (b) If the peace officer certifies on the return that the peace officer diligently but unsuccessfully attempted to effect service under Subsection (a) or if the corporation is a foreign corporation that has no certificate of authority, the peace officer shall serve the summons on the secretary of state. On receipt of the summons copy, the secretary of state shall immediately forward it by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the defendant corporation at its registered office or, if it is a foreign corporation, at its principal office in the state or country under whose law it was incorporated. (c) The secretary of state shall keep a permanent record of the date and time of receipt and the disposition of each summons served under Subsection (b) together with the return receipt. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1072, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § WA.7.196
What does The Texas Constitution § WA.7.196 cover?
Section WA.7.196 ("SERVICE OF SUMMONS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. 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 Texas § WA.7.196?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § WA.7.196" (Texas). 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 Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § WA.7.196 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas 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 Texas.