California Code, Corporations Code - CORP § 25240

Every applicant for a certificate as a broker-dealer or an investment adviser (other than a California corporation), and every investment adviser subject to Section 25230.1, shall file with the commissioner, in such form as the commissioner by rule prescribes, an irrevocable consent appointing the commissioner or the commissioner's successor in office to be the person's attorney to receive service of any lawful process in any noncriminal suit, action or proceeding against the person or the person's successor, executor, or administrator, which arises under this law or any rule or order hereunder after the consent has been filed, with the same force and validity as if served personally on the person filing the consent.  A person who has filed such a consent in connection with a previous application under this law (or under any prior law if the application states that such consent is still effective), or a person who has filed such a consent in connection with a previous notice filed under Section 25230.1, need not file another.  Service may be made by leaving a copy of the process in the office of the commissioner, but it is not effective unless (1) the plaintiff, who may be the commissioner in a suit, action or proceeding instituted by the commissioner, forthwith sends notice of the service and a copy of the process by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at the person's last address on file with the commissioner, and (2) 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.